Israeli kills Palestinian militant near Gaza Strip security fence

[News_Editor]

Israeli kills Palestinian militant near Gaza Strip security fence

2011-04-05 20:59:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA STRIP (BNO NEWS) -- Israeli soldiers on Tuesday shot dead a Palestinian militant near the Gaza Strip security fence, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed.

The suspected terrorist approached the security fence and ignored calls and warnings. IDF forces identified him as a militant and a tank shot at him. A direct hit was confirmed and the suspect killed.

The shooting took place near the Erez crossing at the Gaza Strip's north. The incident took place while three mortar shells launched by suspected militants from Gaza exploded in Israeli soil.

Two of the strikes hit the Eshkol regional council and the other in Hof Ashkelon. No injures or fatalities were reported. The attacks between Israel and terrorists from Gaza Strip have escalated in recent times.

There was a significant increase in the number of terrorist attacks in March in comparison with other months. According to a report by the Israel Security Agency, there were 128 attacks in March, compared to 61 in February and 83 in January.

Overall, terrorist groups launched 38 rockets and 87 mortar shells to Israeli territory. In the Gaza Strip, militants take advantage of areas near the security fence. The suspects approach the fence and plant explosives, plan attacks on IDF soldiers and endanger citizens of the region.

"IDF will not allow the Israeli southern communities to continue living under constant threat, and will continue to respond with determination to any attempt to use terror against the citizens of Israel," said the IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai Avi Benayahu last week.

In March, Israel deployed the Iron Dome missile defense system as directed by Defense Minister Ehud Barak in light of the recent rocket attacks in southern Israel. The system is expected to protect Israel's southern communities from rocket threats coming from the Gaza Strip.

IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip. Over 130 mortar shells, Qassam rockets and Grad rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory since January.

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