GAZA CITY (Agencies)
Three Palestinian militants were killed when they attacked a border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel on Saturday, wounding 13 Israeli soldiers, according to sources from Hamas and the Israeli army.
Several militants attacked the Kerem Shalom crossing at the southern end of the territory under the cover of mortar fire and heavy fog after bombers blew up their explosives-laden vehicles at the scene, an Israeli army spokeswoman said.
Three Palestinians were killed in the explosions and in exchanges of fire with Israeli forces, she told AFP.
A spokesman for Hamas said a bomber, who was driving a car when he blew himself up, was killed in the attack. The Gaza rulers later claimed responsibility for the attack.
At least 13 Israeli soldiers were wounded in the attack, which came hours before Israeli Jews begin the week-long Passover holiday at sundown on Saturday.
In a statement, the armed wing of Hamas -- Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades -- said that several bombers took part in the raid. It was the first time in months that Israel had been attacked by Palestinian suicide bombers in vehicles.
Residents of Israeli communities along the Gaza border were told to stay indoors amid fears that militants would attempt to cross into Israel, but the high alert was dropped several hours later.
It was the fifth time in the past week that militants had attacked crossing points through which humanitarian aid is supplied to Gaza, the army spokeswoman said.
Israel slapped a punishing blockade on the Gaza Strip after Hamas seized control of the territory last June, routing forces loyal to moderate Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
Earlier this month, two Israeli civilians were killed when Palestinian militants raided the Nahal Oz crossing through which fuel is supplied to the impoverished territory.
And on Wednesday, 18 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and three Israeli soldiers were killed in a day of fierce fighting across the Hamas-ruled territory. |
