Colonel to investigate Beit Hanoun strike
Army orders inquiry into Gaza strike: Mother, four children killed in Gaza Strip Monday morning died after explosive device carried by terrorists blew up following air strike, IDF said earlier; meanwhile, another Palestinian killed in northern Gaza Monday evening
The army's initial investigation into the incident concluded that two Palestinian terrorists were attacked and hit from the air, causing the bomb they were carrying to explode and destroying the Abu Meatak family home. The house was hit while the family was at the breakfast table.
However, the decision to investigate the incident thoroughly by appointing the colonel was made due to the issue's sensitivity.
Earlier Monday, the IDF said that the Air force fired at a group of armed Palestinians spotted near army forces on the outskirts of Beit Hanoun. During the operation, an IDF soldier sustained light leg injuries and was taken to hospital. Troops at the scene meanwhile exchanged fire with several Palestinian gunmen.
Palestinian killed Monday evening
Meanwhile, a Palestinian was killed by the IDF in Beit Hanoun Monday evening, Palestinian sources reported.
At this time it is unclear whether the killed Palestinian is a civilian or a gunman.
Speaking after the Beit Hanoun incident this morning, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Hamas was responsible for the deaths of Gaza civilians.
"We hold Hamas responsible for anything that goes on inside Gaza and for all the strikes," Barak said during a tour of an Israel Military Industries facility in central Israel.
"Hamas, which operates from inside population concentrations and keeps explosive devices in civilian areas, is also responsible for some of the civilian casualties in these operations," he said.
Ali Waked contributed to the report
