Two Palestinian gunmen killed, Israeli soldier injured during shootout near Gaza security fence

2010-12-12 05:43:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM (BNO NEWS) -- Two Palestinian gunmen were killed and an Israeli soldier was injured during an exchange of fire near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip on late Saturday, officials said.

The shooting happened when Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers identified two suspects near the security fence. "The force fired towards the suspects, and they were killed as a result," the IDF said, without saying what forced them to use deadly force.

During a subsequent search of the scene, shots were fired at the IDF force, injuring one of the soldiers. "An additional fire exchange took place in the area a short time later, but resulted in no casualties among IDF soldiers," the IDF said, adding that the incident is under investigation.

The Israeli soldier was evacuated by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were described as moderate.

Since the beginning of 2010, around 200 Grad missiles, Qassam rockets and mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip have landed in Israeli territory.

The Israeli government holds Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by most countries, solely responsible for maintaining the calm in the Gaza Strip and for any terrorist activity emanating from it. "The IDF will also continue to respond harshly to any attempt to use terror against the State of Israel," it warned.

In the winter of 2008-2009, Israel launched a surprise airstrike against the Gaza Strip which marked the beginning of a three-week military conflict between Israel and Hamas, killing nearly 1,500 people and leaving thousands more injured and displaced. Israel stated its aim was to stop rocket fire from and arms import into Gaza.

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This is why that border fence must come down. It is an impediment to tourists from Gaza seeking entry into Israel so that they can kill people.