Two Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip

[News_Editor]

Two Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrike in central Gaza Strip

2011-07-06 02:56:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA CITY (BNO NEWS) -- An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday killed two Palestinian civilians and injured one more in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian News Network (PNN) reported.

The attack took place in the eastern part of the al-Massadar village in central Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that the strike targeted a squad of terrorists preparing to launch rockets at Israeli territory.

"The terrorists were identified by an Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft that thwarted the attempt by firing at them. A hit was confirmed." the IDF informed in a statement.

However, these allegations were denied by witnesses who told PNN that the shelling targeted a group of local residents. The two fatal victims were identified as Mohammad Abu-Jazar and Hamdan Abu-Moier.

Another Palestinian was injured in the IAF strike and was transported to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. He was reported in serious condition. The three victims were in their twenties.

IDF added that this week, terrorists in the Gaza strip targeted Israeli civilians by launching three Qassam rockets into its soil. Israel continues blaming Hamas for the all terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip as it is not is not enforcing a policy of restraint.

In March, Israel deployed its first Iron Dome missile defense system in light of the recent rocket attacks in southern Israel. The system was designed to protect Israel's southern communities from rocket threats coming from the Gaza Strip.

The system was unveiled following a rocket attack by Hamas militants on an Israeli school bus across the border. A teenager was severely injured and later died due to the wounds sustained. Israel retaliated with air and ground strikes killing about 19 Palestinians, including 7 children and 2 women.

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