12 Palestinians Killed in Gaza
CBNNews.com
June 27, 2007
CBNNews.com - GAZA STRIP - In separate operations Wednesday morning in the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops killed 12 Palestinians, the majority of whom were Hamas and Islamic Jihad gunmen.
While Palestinian sources claimed civilians and children were among the dead and wounded, the IDF confirmed that all casualties occurred in gun battles between IDF troops and armed Palestinians.
"The high number of casualties indicates that more terrorists were engaging in battle with IDF forces," spokesman for the Southern Command told YNet. "We anticipated such resistance and were ready for it," he said.
Early Wednesday morning, Israeli aircraft fired at a group of armed Palestinians moving toward IDF troops stationed near the Karni crossing, killing at least one of the gunmen.
In a separate operation, IDF Givati Brigade infantrymen, backed by tanks, armored vehicles and attack helicopters, took up positions outside of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
In ensuing gun battles, two IDF soldiers were wounded and at least two Palestinian gunmen killed.
Hamas radio reported that a senior member of Islamic Jihad, involved in manufacturing and launching Kassam rockets into Israel, was killed by a direct hit on his vehicle during an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. The IDF did not confirm that report.
Palestinian sources also reported an IDF tank shell killed four Palestinians, including a child, in the Sajaya neighborhood in Gaza City.
The IDF operates up to a mile and a half inside the border in operations aimed at uncovering terrorist enclaves and tunnels being dug into Israel.
The IDF Southern Command said Wednesday's operations in Gaza were aimed at destroying terror cells.
"This isn't about taking over Gaza. These are pinpointed raids aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure," he said.
Meanwhile, during the night near the West Bank city of Jenin, IDF troops surrounded a building where Palestinian gunmen had taken cover.
Troops opened fire on gunmen who tried to escape, wounding one and arresting another. The remaining gunmen returned to the building.
An hour later, the IDF opened fired on three others attempting to flee the scene, wounding all three.
The wounded gunmen were transported to an Israeli hospital in Afula for treatment, after which they will be questioned by the Shin Bet (General Security Agency).
Sources: The Jerusalem Post, Ynet news
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