In a joint IDF-Shabak operation early Thursday afternoon, Israel Air Force helicopters and IDF ground forces fired at a building in central Gaza Strip in which an armed terrorist cell was hiding. A direct hit was confirmed.
The terrorists had planted explosive devices just a few hours earlier, and were planning to fire at IDF soldiers. Though fire was returned from the targeted building, no injuries were sustained amongst the IDF forces.
The exchange of fire took place near Khan Yunis, just across from the location of what used to be N’vei Dekalim, the largest community of Gush Katif.
In other security news, Arab rock-throwers attacked two women from Gush Etzion as they drove in northern Gush Etzion this afternoon. The two, lightly wounded, were able to continue to the Gush Etzion junction, where they were taken by Magen David Ambulance to Shaarei Zedek Medical Centerin Jerusalem.
Yesterday, a Palestinian terrorist attempted to stab a lifeguard on the Kalya Beach in the northern Dead Sea. The lifeguard overpowered him and was not hurt. Three Molotov cocktails (firebombs) were found in the terrorist’s bags.The IDF Spokesperson’s Office notes that just yesterday, Arabs detonated two explosive devices near an IDF routine patrol force, in the same area as today's fire exchange. A third explosive device was also found on the scene, and IDF sappers detonated it in a controlled manner.
The IDF announced once again that it holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for maintaining the calm in the Gaza Strip, as well as for any terrorist activity emanating from it. The army further stated that it will “continue to respond harshly to any attempt to use terrorism against the State of Israel.”