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Photo: Amir Cohen
IDF operating in Gaza (archive photo)
Photo: Amir Cohen

Commander: We met stiff terrorist resistance

IDF says Gaza operation in which two Palestinians were killed was aimed at reducing Qassam rocket-launching capabilities, prevent digging of weapons smuggling tunnels; ‘we faced stiff resistance from terrorists, but we knew how to act,’ battalion commander says

Two Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours during the IDF’s operation in the south Gaza town of Khan Younis, which concluded Thursday evening. A total of six terrorists were hit during the activity, and a third Palestinian was killed during a separate IDF operation in north Gaza.

 

Reserves Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Omri Bar-David told Ynet, “We carried out the mission under incessant fire; it was clear that the terrorists were motivated, but we knew we had to act with determination to achieve our goals.”

 

The operation was aimed at taking control of an area located one kilometer from the security fence near Khan Younis, operate against terrorists and uncover weapons caches.

 

As soon as the IDF forces took up their positions exchanges of fire erupted between the troops and Palestinian gunmen, during which an IDF squad commander was lightly hurt.

 

“The battles included the firing of anti-tank missiles,” the battalion commander said. “We scoured the area under heavy fire and struck six terrorists. We were also able to handle the bombs planted by the terrorists there.”

 

'We knew how to operate'

The commander mentioned that during the activity weapons were found and 10 Palestinians suspects were detained and taken in for questioning.

 

The forces withdrew from the area with the conclusion of the activity.

 

“We faced stiff resistance from the terrorists, but we knew how to operate,” Bar-David said. “Reserve soldiers have a broad understanding and extensive experience; they have proven that they can handle such tasks.”

 

IDF officials said the Gaza operations are aimed at reducing the terrorists’ Qassam rocket-launching capabilities and prevent the digging of additional weapons smuggling tunnels.

 

Some 300 terrorists have been targeted by the IDF in Gaza since the kidnapping of Corporal Gilad Shalit.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.26.06, 23:15
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