Islamic Jihad operatives spotted planting bombs along border.
By YAAKOV KATZ, JPOST.COM STAFFgaza strip idf tank 311(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
IDF soldiers shot and killed at least three Islamic Jihad operatives Tuesday morning who were spotted planting explosive devices along the border with the Gaza Strip and near the Kissufim Crossing.A military force later crossed into Gaza and located the bodies of the terrorists who were carrying grenades, rifles and explosive devices, said the army.After noticing three suspicious-looking people approaching the fence, a Givati force fired at the group using light arms and mortar shells. Military helicopters also fired at the suspects.According to a report from Gaza, the IDF troops advanced 200 meters into the Palestinian territory near Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.The Islamic Jihad reported that the group was attempting to plant explosive device in order to “stop the Israelis’ advancement.”Despite the decision by Hamas and several other Palestinian factions to stop rocket attacks against Israel, tensions have been building over the past month as an increase in attempted terrorist attacks has been noted.Last month Maj. Eliraz Peretz, 31, deputy commander of the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion, and St.-Sgt. Maj. Ilan Sviatkovsky were laid to rest. Both were killed during combat with Palestinian gunmen in the southern Gaza Strip, near Khan Yunis.
