Four IDF soldiers were killed yesterday morning in a bomb attack against a tank near the northern Gaza community of Dugit. A bomb containing over 100kg (220 lbs) of explosives was detonated against the tank, which burst into flames as a result of the blast. Funeral plans for the four soldiers - two from Rishon LeTzion, one from Be'er Sheva, and one from Elkanah - have not yet been announced.
The bodies of the soldiers were extricated from the charred remains after over approximately two hours. The Izzadin el-Qassem faction of Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.
IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Doron Almog stated military officials know the identities of the terrorists responsible for the attack. Almog added there is no way to increase the armor protection on tanks to withstand powerful bombs such as the one used in today's attack.
There have been several attacks targeting tanks in the past year claiming 11 lives. The first was on 14 February 2002 when a bomb was detonated against a tank near the northern Gaza community of Netzarim. Three soldiers were killed in that attack one year and one day ago.
The bodies of the soldiers were extricated from the charred remains after over approximately two hours. The Izzadin el-Qassem faction of Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.
IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Doron Almog stated military officials know the identities of the terrorists responsible for the attack. Almog added there is no way to increase the armor protection on tanks to withstand powerful bombs such as the one used in today's attack.
There have been several attacks targeting tanks in the past year claiming 11 lives. The first was on 14 February 2002 when a bomb was detonated against a tank near the northern Gaza community of Netzarim. Three soldiers were killed in that attack one year and one day ago.