IDF forces quickly located and captured two Palestinian Authority terrorists who slipped through the security barrier north of the Kissufim Crossing Saturday night.
The two infiltrators were armed and wearing bulletproof vests when they were spotted at around 8:00 p.m. by IDF soldiers.
Gaza Belt communities were immediately placed on high alert. Residents of Kissufim, Ein HaShlosha, Re'im, Nirim and Nir Oz were ordered to remain indoors as soldiers and security teams combed the area with air support from IAF helicopters.
The two terrorists were captured a short time later. Both were unarmed at the time of their arrest, and it is believed that the two may have stashed their weapons shortly after crossing the security barrier.
Infiltration attempts during terror attacks at the Gaza crossings have increased over the past month, prompting officials to order Gaza Belt communities to review emergency procedures to be carried out in case of terrorist infiltrations.
Infiltrator Shot Near Elkana
IDF soldiers fired at a Palestinian Authority Arab man Saturday night as he tried to infiltrate through the security barrier near the Samarian Jewish town of Elkana.
The man was shot after he failed to heed soldiers' repeated warnings to stop. He suffered a light wound. No one else was injured.
IDF Arrests Local Hamas Kingpin, Other Counterterrorism Ops
IDF soldiers captured a wanted local Hamas kingpin in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiye early Saturday. According to local sources, PA terrorists around the home of Hassan Marouf, opened fire at the troops when they came to arrest him.
PA Health Ministry officials in Gaza said Marouf's 14-year-old daughter was killed in the crossfire and nine others were wounded, including two family members. IDF soldiers withdrew after completing the arrest and evacuating Marouf's family to hospital, according to the source. Medical officials in Gaza said Saturday night that seven terrorists were wounded in the clash. Three were listed in critical condition.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit had no comment.
Earlier in the morning, an IDF undercover force entered northern Gaza to begin counterterrorism operations, almost immediately engaging Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists.
The force was covered by an IDF tank corps unit and IAF aircraft. IAF pilots fired missiles in two separate air strikes against terrorists who fired mortars, homemade bombs and other weapons at IDF soldiers.