3 soldiers wounded in Gaza blast

GAZA - Three soldiers were wounded Thursday afternoon after an explosive device was detonated near a security fence in the northern Gaza Strip, close to the Kfar Aza kibbutz.

One of those injured sustained moderate wounds and was taken to Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva for treatment. A hospital spokeswoman said the soldier sustained an injury to his skull, but added the wound was not life threatening.

The two other soldiers suffered from shock and were treated at the scene.

IDF officials say 10 similar explosive devices were uncovered by troops in the past week. Military officials estimated the roadside bomb, which targeted a jeep on routine patrol, was remotely detonated. 

“The terror wave continues, particularly on the part of the Popular Resistance Committees, which continue again and again to carry out attacks as a message to Abu Mazen (Abbas), at the expense of our soldiers,” one official said.

Army's patience wearing thin

The latest incident comes on the heels of growing violence in the Gaza Strip. On Monday, an IDF soldier sustained moderate wounds after being hit by Palestinian sniper fire on the Philadelphi Route.

The IDF's patience is wearing thin in the face of the growing Palestinian violence, army officials said following Monday's incident.

"It's impossible that the same small group, the Popular Committees, continues to operate freely" one IDF official said at the time. "Yesterday someone was lightly wounded, today someone was seriously injured, and tomorrow it will end in disaster," he said.

IDF Southern Command forces have refrained from offensive activity in recent weeks following agreements with the Palestinian Authority. However, Monday's attack prompted growing calls on the government to authorize a more serious response.

"Someone must press Abu Mazen to act…this situation cannot go on," an army official said.