Palestinians fire mortars, IDF fires back
IDF fires into Gaza after three mortars hit Negev, explains troops threatened by explosive device
Three mortar shells were fired towards a kibbutz in Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council on Wednesday. The shells landed in open fields within the kibbutz, and did not cause injuries or damage. The Color Red rocket alert system was not activated.
Earlier Palestinian sources reported that the IDF fired artillery shells into the eastern Gaza Strip, wounding 11 people. The Islamic Jihad Movement claimed the shells were fired after its people shot mortar shell at an IDF force entering the Gaza Strip.
The spokesman for Gaza's rescue services, Adham Abu Selmiya, said ambulances had evacuated the victims to the hospital. Earlier eyewitness reports said they saw tanks and bulldozers in the area.
The IDF spokesman said in response that during a routine IDF operation near the northern part of the Gaza Strip security fence, an explosive device was activated against the IDF followed by a mortar shell. He added that no injures or damage was reported. According to him, the IDF recognized a few terrorists in the area and fired tank shells at them.
Since the beginning of the year about 12 explosive devices were placed near the security fence, and some were activated against the forces. The IDF official also reported that they exposed two demolition charges placed near the southern part of the Gaza Strip security fence, which were then dismantled by the forces.
Earlier Wednesday witnesses reported seeing bulldozers accompanied by tanks entering the area. According to them, Islamic Jihad activists fired mortars at them and the tanks fired back.
The Islamic Jihad's military wing, Al-Quds Brigades, claimed its people fired two mortars at IDF forces which crossed the fence, causing the tanks to fire shells back at them. According to the Islamic Jihad, three of their men were injured, one was severely injured.
Just last Thursday Israeli soldiers shot and killed three Palestinian men in the Gaza Strip near a fishing area. The army confirmed that infantry soldiers and IDF aircraft opened fire on the three men who had approached the security fence separating Israel from the Hamas-ruled territory.
The Israeli Navy recognized the men who were walking around illegally very close the security fence. The Navy and Air Force were called to the scene and a Daboor ship shot and hurt the three men.
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