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Expanding operations (Illustration)
Photo: AP

IDF arrests Palestinians in Gaza; mortars hit army base

Ten Palestinians detained by army forces during operation near Gaza's Sajaiya neighborhood. One soldier lightly wounded in clashes with gunmen, evacuated to hospital. Earlier Tuesday, mortar shells hit IDF base near Nahal Oz

IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning detained 10 Palestinians suspected of involvement in terrorists activity and transferred them for questioning in Israel.

 

During the operation, Golani, Armored Corps and Engineering forces clashed with gunmen in the Sajaiya area. one of the soldiers was lightly wounded and evacuated to Soroka hospital in Beersheba for treatment. Several Palestinians were injured by IDF fire.

 

Gaza sources reported of heavy clashes between soldiers and gunmen from all armed factions, mostly members of Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

 

Several mortar shells were fired at an IDF base near Kibbutz Nahal Oz Tuseday, hitting one of the buildings at the place; no injuries were reported in the attack.

 

Another four mortars landed near western Negev communities.

 

Military officials noted Tuesday that the IDF's activity would continue in all terrorist-controlled areas, in order to prevent imminent attacks against Israel.

 

Detainees led out of Gaza (Photo: Avi Rokach)

 

On Monday, Palestinian sources reported that two bystanders were wounded after an IAF fighter jet fired a missile at a vehicle driving the southern Gaza. According to reports, the Hamas operatives riding in the vehicle were unharmed.

 

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi said Monday that the "army is prepared to expand its activity in accordance with the (government's) decisions;" adding that "2008 will be filled with security-related challenges, and the army must be ready to face them".

 

Defense Minister Ehud Barak briefed the members of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on the situation in the Strip Monday, saying "there is an ongoing large-scale operation in Gaza, in which 200 terrorists were killed in the past four months – 16 of them in the last few days alone.

 

"The operation in continuing around the clock and we intend to step it up," added Barak. "The IDF will do whatever necessary to stop the Qassam fire. It won't happen two days or two weeks from now, but it will happen."

 

Shmulik Hadad contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 02.12.08, 09:11
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