1. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division IDF OPERATION IN THE GAZA STRIP DU–D20 AILYPDATE AY J ANUARY 15 TH, 200 9 T HE M ILITARY -S TRATEGIC I NFORMATION S ECTION Operation Cast Lead Distributed 0500 16 Jan

2. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division Operation Cast Lead  To bring about conditions for the creation of a better security situation in southern Israel—namely, the long-term cessation of rocket and mortar fire and all terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip.  To advance the achievements of the aerial campaign by taking control of the launch areas, continuing to attack Hamas targets, and preventing the continued strengthening of Hamas via the network of tunnels at the Philadelphi Route. Main Objectives:

3. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division Ground Maneuver  IDF forces continued to press against Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip, with an emphasis on sites in northern Gaza in and around Gaza City.  Approximately 35 armed gunmen were hurt in the fighting today. Ground forces continue to be deployed according to plan in the Southern Gaza Strip and prepared for more extensive combat.  The IDF continues to weaken Hamas and has taken hundreds of Hamas prisoners.  The IDF has mobilized additional reserve troops and remains prepared for any eventuality. Operation Cast Lead – Day 20

4. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division Operation Cast Lead – Day 20 Trails of smoke are seen after the launch of rockets from Gaza towards Israel An Israeli mother protecting her daughter as they hid under a table

5. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division IAF Attacks  The IAF has carried out over 2,506 attacks against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the operation. The IAF targeted over 55 Hamas targets in Gaza throughout the day, including: Armed cells. 21 rocket launching sites. 2 mortar launching sites. 2 weapons stores. Operation Cast Lead – Day 20 The IAF targeted senior Hamas operatives in an attack on a building in Gaza City. Senior operatives included Said Siam, responsible for Hamas National Security Services.

6. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division The Israeli Home Front  Rocket Attacks from the Gaza Strip  8 Grad  7 Qassams  11 Mortars  One Grad rocket which landed in Beer Sheva around 16:30 injured 13 Israeli citizens including 3 severely and 4 moderately.  Since Dec. 27 th, 3 Israeli civilians were killed and approximately 285 wounded (including 10 severely).

7. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division Trends in Attacks on the Israeli Homefront : Beginning of the operation Beginning of the Ground Campaign Total 771

8. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division The Humanitarian Efforts The Humanitarian Efforts UNRWA Distribution of Humanitarian aid (flour)

9. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division The Humanitarian Efforts The Humanitarian Efforts Today, Jan 15 th :  During the day 69 trucks carrying humanitarian aid passed through Kerem Shalom crossing. These trucks carried 1,468 tons of food, medical equipment, and other basic supplies. Since the start of Operation Cast Lead, approximately 1,175 trucks of humanitarian aid carrying over 28,119 tons of humanitarian aid, and over 1,436,350 liters of diesel fuel were transferred to the Gaza Strip. Israel continues to make great efforts in the humanitarian field, as much as possible during times of combat, in order to facilitate the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. These efforts include the establishment of a Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center, humanitarian recesses, evacuations of injured Palestinian civilians for medical treatment and evacuations of foreign citizens from the Gaza Strip. On Jan 15 th the IDF implemented a temporary humanitarian recess from 11:00-15:00 in order to enable the distribution of aid into the Gaza Strip. Again, Hamas took advantage of the humanitarian recess to fire two rockets against Israel. Summary of the humanitarian effort since the beginning of operation Cast Lead:  28,119 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered to Gaza.  449 foreigners and dual nationals were evacuated from Gaza overall.  3000 units of blood were donated by Jordan.  34 people evacuated to Israel for medical needs, including two injured children.

10. -unclassified- -Unclassified- Military-Strategic Information Section // The Strategic Division Ongoing Ground Operation The introduction of reserve troops to the operation in Gaza is further evidence the IDF's smooth functioning according to plan. In the period since being mobilized, the reserve troops underwent refresher training and were briefed on the operation in order to ready them for combat. The IDF continues to demonstrate its determination to damage Hamas's capabilities in terms of manpower, infrastructure and weapons. There continues to be a decrease in rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. The IDF is prepared to expand the ground operation should this be needed. Israel's Home front Israel's homefront has exemplified great resilience and strength since the beginning of the operation despite constant attacks. There is great support for the operation. The homefront continues to heed the instructions of the IDF's Homefront Command. Humanitarian Efforts The Humanitarian Recess offered by Israel on a daily basis to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is exploited by terrorists to fire rockets at Israel. Israel continues to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza. The IDF opened a Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center that includes representatives of international aid organizations. A daily humanitarian corridor has been instituted to allow for the distribution of aid. Teams of physicians have entered Gaza. Evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza continues. Israel continues to facilitate the repair of infrastructure including the electrical network. Central Themes