IDF soldiers thwarted a terrorist attack in Gaza early Thursday morning. News of the failed attack was released for publication only several hours later.
Soldiers noticed a band of armed terrorists near the security barrier in northern Gaza. The terrorists were within the buffer zone between the security barrier and Hamas-controlled Gaza, and were bearing guns and bombs.
A joint force of IAF planes and tanks fired on the terror cell, which dispersed; Gaza media reported that at least two of the terrorists were killed, and this was later confirmed when IDF soldiers found the two bodies, equipped with light weapons and an explosive device. No soldiers were injured in the incident.
It was not immediately clear if the terror cell had planned to attack soldiers or civilians. The terrorists may have planned to open fire on soldiers along the security barrier, or they could have planned to infiltrate a nearby kibbutz (cooperative community).
Gaza terrorists have attempted to attack Israeli civilians and soldiers with increasing frequency in recent months. Rocket and mortar shell attacks in particular have become more frequent. Terrorists recently fired on the Negev city of Ofakim for the first time since the Cast Lead counterterror operation two years ago. In addition, terror cells have begun using rockets containing white phosphorous, a substance that can increase the severity of wounds and the number of casualties.