Four Israeli soldiers were killed and two injured in an Arab attack early this morning near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, along Israel\'s southern Mediterranean coast. The incident began when two Arabs penetrated a security fence near the kibbutz. The Arabs encountered IDF forces and opened fire and threw hand grenades, killing an officer and three soldiers from a Bedouin unit. In an ensuing gun battle, one of the Arabs was killed. The second was eliminated after a chase which lasted several hours.
The Arab attackers were wearing PLO police uniforms and were carrying a large amount weapons and explosives. Official Israeli sources report that one was affiliated with Hamas and the second served in the PA’s naval police force. The PLO released a press announcement that two of its policemen were killed. However, they later denied that the two were connected to the Palestinian Authority.
Shortly following the fatal attack, PA officials ordered all area installations, including naval positions, evacuated in expectation of continued warfare and possible shelling.
The wounded soldiers from the terror attack in southern Israel early this morning were transported to Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center. One soldier is listed in very serious condition and underwent surgery. He was wounded in his chest and abdominal area as well as other areas on his body. The second soldier in listed in light condition.
Hizbullah’s Al Manar TV identified the Arabs responsible for the pre-dawn attack as residents of PLO-controlled Khan Yunis, in Gaza. Mohammed Abu Jamus, 23, served as a member of the PA’s naval police and Imad Abu Rizak, 25, was a member of the Hamas terrorist organization.
The Arab attackers were wearing PLO police uniforms and were carrying a large amount weapons and explosives. Official Israeli sources report that one was affiliated with Hamas and the second served in the PA’s naval police force. The PLO released a press announcement that two of its policemen were killed. However, they later denied that the two were connected to the Palestinian Authority.
Shortly following the fatal attack, PA officials ordered all area installations, including naval positions, evacuated in expectation of continued warfare and possible shelling.
The wounded soldiers from the terror attack in southern Israel early this morning were transported to Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center. One soldier is listed in very serious condition and underwent surgery. He was wounded in his chest and abdominal area as well as other areas on his body. The second soldier in listed in light condition.
Hizbullah’s Al Manar TV identified the Arabs responsible for the pre-dawn attack as residents of PLO-controlled Khan Yunis, in Gaza. Mohammed Abu Jamus, 23, served as a member of the PA’s naval police and Imad Abu Rizak, 25, was a member of the Hamas terrorist organization.