Gaza terror groups: Israel will pay for its crimes
Strip's factions issue uniform condemnation of IDF shelling following Gaza border attack; say they will 'coordinate response to Zionist's massacre in Gaza'
Palestinian terror groups in Gaza vowed Saturday to retaliate against what the called "the Israeli aggression."
The threat came as IDF tanks fired at terror targets in Gaza Strip, following a border attack in which terrorists launched an anti-tank missile at an IDF patrol traveling near Krani crossing.
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Two soldiers sustained serious injuries and two others were moderately injured in the incident.
Medical sources in Gaza reported that four people were killed and 25 others were injured by the IDF's shelling. The Palestinians claim the wounded were all civilians.
The injured at Shifa Hospital (Photo: Reuters)
Hamas security forces reportedly cleared all posts in the vicinity of the scene fearing an imminent Israeli strike.
A few hours later, Gaza militants launched a rocket barrage at Israel, firing dozens of projectiles at southern communities. No injuries were reported.
The IDF ordered the residents of the Gaza vicinity communities to remain within close proximity to shelters.
The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades – the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's (PFLP) military wing – have claimed responsibility for the attack; but the IDF said that it is more likely that the Islamic Jihad was responsible.
Later on Saturday, however, the Al-Arabiya network reported that the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades – Hamas' military wing – claimed the attack.
According to the report, the shooting was in retaliation to the death of a Palestinian teen from IDF fire near Khan Younis, earlier in the week.
(Photo: Reuters)
Hamas Spokesman Fauzi Barhoum said that "targeting civilians is a dangerous escalation that cannot be ignored," adding that "Israel will pay for its crimes against the Palestinian people."
He further demanded that the Palestinian factions "Put a stop to this criminal aggression."
The Salah a-Din Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees' military wing, issued a statement threatening that "Israel will pay for its crimes… We will retaliate with full force."
The Islamic Jihad said that "Israel was responsible for… targeting unarmed civilians."
Hamas MP in Gaza Yahya Mousa commented on the escalation in the south saying that "The Palestinian resistance has become stronger than ever. It can absolutely defend the Palestinian people against any aggression and retaliate against Israel's crimes."
Mousa added that Israel was "Trying to destroy the Gaza Strip."
The Gaza factions are trying to display a uniform front and Gaza sources told Ynet the various leaders plan to "meet and coordinate the response to the Zionist's massacre in Gaza."
You can contact Elior Levy, Ynet's Palestinian Affairs Correspondent, at: paldesk@gmail.com
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