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Photo: Reuters
Gaza strike (Archive photo)
Photo: Reuters

Air Force kills 5 in Gaza

IDF strikes in Gaza Strip: Army attacks Popular Resistance Committees training facility used by Palestinians to practice rocket fire, placement of explosive devices; earlier, group members took part in rally in support of Hamas

Gaza strike: Five Palestinians were killed and several others were wounded in an Air Force attack on a Gaza City training facility apparently belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees.

 

According to the report, an Air Force aircraft fired a missile at a training area used by the group, which is associated with Hamas. The army said those killed included the planners of the attack at the Karni crossing that left six Israelis dead in 2005.

 

The strike was approved by incoming Defense Minister Amir Peretz, who will officially assume the post Sunday. Friday morning, Peretz held a series of consultations with senior security officials and gave the go-ahead after it was made clear the attack would not endanger the lives of civilians.

 

IDF officials confirmed the Air Force attacked a facility used by terrorists in Gaza. According to military sources, the targeted site was used for attempted attacks against Israeli targets. The officials noted Palestinians were practicing rocket fire and the placement of explosive devices at the time of the strike.

 

Initial reports said the five Palestinians killed, including four family members, are members of the Committees. Earlier, group members took part in a rally in support of Hamas where they promised not to allow the Hamas government to be brought down, even if they must pay for it with their lives.

 

Following the attack Southern Command officials said the IDF will hit Any terrorist target in the Gaza Strip used to plan attacks against Israel and used as a training facility. Earlier today, terrorists fired six Qassam rockets at southern Israel.

 

"The policy initiated by the IDF at the end of March is not an operation with a beginning and end, but rather, a pattern that means upgrading the response against anyone dealing with terror," one source said.

 

In the past month, the IDF assassinated several senior Popular Committees members, including the commander of the group's military wing, the Salah al-Din Brigades.

 

Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.05.06, 19:43
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