IDF OFFICER, TWO SOLDIERS INJURED IN EXCHANGE OF FIRE AT THE GAZA BORDER

IDF OFFICER, TWO SOLDIERS INJURED IN EXCHANGE OF FIRE AT THE GAZA BORDER

ANNA AHRONHEIM, ROSSELLA TERCATIN


Smoke rises after an explosion as Palestinians take part in a night protest held along the Gaza side of the border with Israel. (photo credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN)

An IDF officer and two soldiers were injured and a Hamas militant killed in an exchange of fire at the border with the Gaza Strip on early Thursday morning, the IDF confirmed. 

According to IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis, the initial investigation into the incident has found that the Palestinan was identified by troops at 2am approaching the border fence in the area of Kissufim in southern Israel.

“Normal course of action was taken by troops after an infiltration is detected, an action that occurs a lot,” Manelis said adding “but it is still unclear whether the force that arrived at the scene realized that the suspect was armed.”

The suspect, who was wearing a uniform and was armed with grenades and a Kalashnikov, infiltrated into Israeli territory from the southern edge of the Hamas-run enclave and opened fire towards Golani troops who were deployed to the area moderately injuring an officer. 

According to Manelis the suspect threw at least one grenade towards the force.

Two other soldiers were lightly injured, one by shrapnel and one in his eardrum from his own firing, the IDF spokesperson said. They were evacuated to Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva for medical treatment and their families have been notified.

Shortly after the incident began, additional Golani troops were deployed to the scene and opened fire on the suspect, killing him.

During the incident, the army closed roads near the border and additional forces were sent to protect nearby border communities. An IDF tank also attacked a Hamas position.

“This is a very serious incident,” Manelis told reporters stressing nevertheless that it is believed that the suspect acted alone, independently from Hamas.

The flare-up of violence broke several weeks of relative calm along the normally restive border.

On Wednesday the military completed the largest drill since the last conflict in the coastal enclave,  Operation Protective Edge in 2014, which saw the participation of eight brigade commanders, hundreds of reservists and the participation of air and naval forces.  

During the four-day long drill, key scenarios which the IDF expects to encounter in any future war were practiced including maritime attacks by terror groups in the Strip, evacuation of wounded soldiers, IDF incursions into northern Gaza as well as  attacks on civilian communities and the evacuation of communities along the border.


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