IDF tank in Gaza (archives)
צילום: איי פי
Report: Gaza gunmen fire at IDF
Following Friday's antitank missile attack on Israeli forces at Gaza border, Palestinians report IDF vehicles enter Strip, are met with gunshots; IDF denies reports
Palestinian eyewitnesses reported Israel Defense Force vehicles entered Palestinian territory in the Gaza Strip on Friday, near the area from which antitank missiles were fired at IDF forces earlier.
The sources reported that Palestinian gunmen fired at the IDF vehicles in the Strip, while the IDF stated that no gunshots were fired at the force.
Around 6:30 am a paratroopers' force was sent across the border fence near the Nir Oz kibbutz in the western Negev, for fear that an explosive device was placed in the area.
When the force reached the area two antitank missiles were fired at it, but no one was hurt and no damage was caused. The force responded with fire and backup paratroopers were sent to the scene out of fear that a combined attack was planned.
Friday's attack was the first such incident since the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza went into effect some five months ago.
Up until now, explosives were found along the border fence in some 15 different incidents, all ending with no casualties or damage. Nonetheless, since the truce, antitank missiles were never fired at IDF forces.
IDF sources said this was a severe incident, that they considered a violation of the truce. Southern Command officials said that despite the calm of the last few months, troops remained ready and alert.
Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report.
