Karni crossing (Archive)
Photo: AP
IDF attacks tunnel used by terrorists in Gaza
Tunnel intended for passage of terrorists into Israel, army sources say. Jerusalem officials state attack was not a response to Eilat bombing
An aerial attack was carried out on a tunnel near the Karni crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF announced early Tuesday morning.
IDF sources said the tunnel was intended for the passage of terrorists into Israel. The attack, a joint operation of the Southern Command and the Israeli Air Force, was approved by the political echelon.
"The terror groups are making cynical use of the crossing, and undermine the Palestinian interest. The IDF will continue to operate, with all the means at its disposal, in a bid to damage the terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement.
IDF officials noted that terror organizations have tried carrying out attacks in the Karni crossing in the past. In August the army uncovered a tunnel leading from the Gaza Strip to the Karni crossing compound that was apparently aimed at enabling a terror attack at the place.
'Attack not linked to Eilat bombing'
The tunnel attacked Tuesday was 'a ticking bomb,' political sources in Jerusalem said, adding that "the IDF will continue to act against terror, as the State of Israel has an obligation to protect its citizens."According to the officials, information about the existence of the tunnel had been handed over to the Palestinians beforehand, but they failed to seal it or destroy it.
"Israel has no interest in terminating the ceasefire and the current calm. The operation was in no way connected to the suicide bombing in Eilat. This issue will be dealt with separately in a meeting with the prime minister Wednesday," an official explained.
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
