Hamas attempting to hit IAF warplanes flying over Gaza:

Defense establishment officials said Sunday that several attempts have been made to hit Israel Air Force jets attacking targets the Gaza Strip since the start of Operation Cast Lead 16 days ago.

Hamas gunmen reportedly attempted to shoot down warplanes using antiaircraft missiles several days ago. There were injuries or damage in this incident.

Air Force pilots have been informed of the clear threat against them and have been ordered to act in accordance with the routine safety rules.

The IDF jets, especially the assault helicopters, have been subject to these threats in the Gaza Strip for a long time now and the Air Force has been working to prevent Hamas from implementing its plans.

The matter has become more concrete during Operation Cast Lead in light of the great number of IAF aircraft flying over the Gaza Strip. A vehicle carrying an antiaircraft missile launcher was attacked in an Air Force strike in the Strip.

Hamas has been claiming for a long time now that its fighters are using machine-guns against Air Force jets flying over Gaza.

At the end of 2007, Hamas' military wing – the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – claimed for the first time that its men had used antitank weapons against Air Force jets.

IDF officials believe that the arms smuggled over the years through the Philadelphi route tunnels include antitank weapons.