Soldiers near Gaza (Archive photo)
Photo: AFP
Heavy exchanges of fire in Gaza; 10 Qassams fired at Negev
Givati Brigade force enters Strip after identifying gunmen near security fence, two soldiers sustain light to moderate wounds in ensuing clashes; IDF soldiers operating near Khan Yunis detain a number of Palestinians. Rockets fired toward Negev region land in open areas; no injuries reported
The IDF launched a series of aerial attacks against targets in Gaza late Tuesday and during the early hours of Wednesday morning, while IDF ground forces clashed with Palestinian gunmen at several points in the Strip.
Israeli troops had entered central Gaza after midnight in what the military spokesman said was a routine operation to target militants launching rockets. Wednesday morning a Givati Brigade force identified a group of gunmen near the security fence separating Israel from Gaza, near Kibbutz Be'eri. The soldiers proceeded to enter Palestinian territory and heavy exchanges of fire ensued. Two soldiers sustained mild to moderate wounds in the clashes.
Wounded IDF soldier (Photo: Haim Horenstein)
The Palestinians reported that gunmen launched missiles at an Israeli commercial vehicle that entered the Strip. Israeli tanks arrived at the scene, the sources said.
Meanwhile, four Hamas gunmen were killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Sajaiya. One of those killed was identified as the brother of senior Hamas member Halil al-Haya, whose son was killed by IDF fire a few months ago. A Givati Brigade soldier sustained moderate wounds after being shot by a Palestinian sniper in the northern Strip. The soldier was taken to hospital by helicopter.
IDF soldiers operating near Khan Yunis detained a number of Palestinians. Gunmen, led by members of Hamas' armed wing, launched mortars at the soldiers and opened fire with automatic weapons.
Hamas said its gunmen set off an explosion in a tunnel near IDF soldiers and also fired an RPG in their direction. The army denied the report and said there were no injuries among the troops.
The army said that during its activity in Gaza at least five gunmen were killed and a number of others were wounded.
"The activity is aimed at pushing the terrorists back into Gaza and prevent them from operating near the security fence," an army official told Ynet.
Also on Wednesday, at least 10 Qassam rockets that were fired from Gaza toward the western Negev landed in open areas and caused no injuries, and a bullet hit a house in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, located near the border with Gaza. The house was slightly damaged.
Late Tuesday an Israeli aircraft attacked a target in the Jabalya refugee camp, killing senior Islamic Jihad member Abdullah al-Rasin,
Ali Waked and AP contributed to the report
