The Israeli Navy on Wednesday seized four Palestinian vessels off the Rafah seashore and began questioning the eight fishermen who were on the boats.
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| Senior Hamas commander killed by IDF / Associated Press |
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Field commander in northern Gaza killed in IDF strike against group of gunmen advancing towards border. Qassam rocket hits factory near Sderot shortly after operation |
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The forces spotted four boats attempting to cross the border between Egypt toward the Gaza Strip. The Navy called on the vessels to stop and fired warning shots in the air, but the boats continued to move toward the Strip.
Only after shots were fired near the boats, the Navy managed to stop the four vessels and the eight people on them, who were taken in for questioning.
IDF sources told Ynet that the Navy would continue to impose the sea blockade.
"There are attempts to carry out smuggling or other incidents linked to terror attacks via the sea. Sometimes there are people looking for escape routes or examining our forces' awareness. This incident will be investigated," a military official said.
"We were surprised by the number of vessels that arrived," an eyewitness said. "Simultaneously, two helicopters arrived and fired at us from machine guns."
According to the Palestinian report, seven vessels made it to the shore, but were hit.
On Tuesday, the Israel Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes
in the Gaza Strip, killing a number of terror activists. Two children were reportedly killed
by IDF forces after being spotted near a rocket launcher.
Roee Nahmias contributed to the report
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