Hamas is exploiting the compassion and generosity of the State of Israel by targeting humanitarian crossings.
IDF soldiers blocked a major bombing and kidnap operation at the Kerem Shalom Crossings early Sabbath morning just hours before the start of the Passover holiday.
Palestinian Authority terrorists drove three explosive-laden vehicles disguised as two military jeeps and an armored vehicle to the terminal on the Gaza side of the crossing under cover of heavy fog and a barrage of 15 mortar shells at approximately 7:00 a.m.
As the two jeeps approached the terminal, the bombers detonated the explosives. Thirteen soldiers were wounded by flying shrapnel, one with moderate-to-serious wounds, two with moderate wounds and eight with light injuries. Four terrorists were killed.
The terrorists failed to detonate the third vehicle and later, a fourth when terrorists drove a fourth bomb-packed vehicle toward the security barrier near Kibbutz Nirim, detonating the vehicle from a distance before it could hurt anyone or cause any damage.
This was the fifth such attack in 10 days on crossing points into Gaza through which humanitarian supplies for the PA population – including terrorists and their families – are delivered.
GOC Southern Command head, Major-General Yoav Galant told reporters following the incidents, “We haven’t seen such attacks since the Disengagement.” He said Saturday’s terrorist operations were “synchronized across [Gaza], aimed at mass killing and the kidnapping of soldiers into Gaza by armored vehicles, ruining the Passover holiday and casting a grave shadow on celebrations of Israel’s 60th anniversary.”
Galant also pointed out, “Hamas is exploiting the compassion and generosity of the State of Israel by targeting humanitarian crossings. This is a deliberate attack against aiding the [PA Arab] population. The IDF will continue operating to protect the civilians of the western Negev and the integrity of the security fence from attacks by terrorist organizations – in particular Hamas.”