Soldiers killed a suicide bomber in Gaza fighting as the IDF lost two more soldiers, bring to seven the number of troops who have fallen in the 11-day counterterrorist operation. One soldier was killed in a clash with Hamas terrorists at the beginning of the ground incursion Saturday night, and another was killed last week by a mortar shell.
Three others were reported killed in two incidents of friendly fire, and it was cleared for publication Tuesday afternoon that a fourth soldier also died.
The seventh soldier, Staff-Sergeant Alexander Mashbitzki from the Engineering Corps, fell in a clash Tuesday morning in northern Gaza, but the announcement was withheld until Tuesday evening after family members were notified.
Four others from the Engineering and Golani units were wounded in the fighting.
Paratroopers in northern Gaza identified a suicide bomber who was approaching their force, and troopers fired at the man, causing the suicide belt to detonate. One soldier was lightly wounded in the blast.
The IDF is continuing its campaign, has taken control of most of northern Gaza and is encircling Gaza City. The Air Force and Navy are bombing terrorist targets and providing cover for infantry, tank, engineering and intelligence units.
Soldiers discovered that several homes in Gaza were booby-trapped by Hamas terrorists. In a mosque, troops discovered motorcycles that were intended to be used to kidnap soldiers. Weapons also were found.
Hamas claimed that its terrorists lured IDF soldiers into a building while another Hamas member blew himself up along with an Israel tank. Hamas spokesmen continued on Tuesday tor report that "dozens" of soldiers were killed.
The IDF estimated that 100 Gazans, mostly terrorists, were killed on Monday. Tuesday's toll will include at least 46 children who were killed in the bombings of a school and a home.