Palestinians: IDF shot dead 7-year-old girl

Palestinians claim IDF killed seven year-old girl near Gaza security fence; army denies charges. Qassam rocket fired at Israel earlier in response to shooting
Hanan Greenberg

Palestinian sources reported Thursday that a seven-year-old girl was shot dead by IDF forces near the security fence in northern Gaza, close to the Kissufim border crossing. According to reports, the girl's name is Aya el-Satal.

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The IDF has confirmed an incident took place in the area, but refused to confirm a girl was involved. Army sources stated forces spotted a figure carrying a large bag on its back, traveling near the fence at a distance from any Palestinian community.

The soldiers fired warning shots at the figure, and when it continued to approach the fence – shot and hit it.

However, the IDF is currently looking into the Palestinians' claims.

According to the IDF, the incident bore all the signs of a terrorist act, and was extremely suspicious.

Notably, numerous attempts by terrorists to approach the fence in a bid to place explosive charges were registered in the recent period, army sources said.

Earlier Thursday, the "Red Dawn" alert system identified the launching of a Qassam rocket at the southern Negev region.

Head of security affairs at the local council in Sderot Rafi Babian told Ynet that searches were conducted to locate the rocket, which apparently landed in an open field. According to the Palestinians, the rocket was fired in response to the killing of the child.

Ali waked contributed to the report