Israeli airstrike kills Palestinians 'planting explosive' in Gaza

Israeli airstrike kills Palestinians 'planting explosive' in Gaza

2012-01-19 05:46:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Two Palestinians were killed and three others were injured on Wednesday when the Israeli Air Force carried out an airstrike close to the border fence in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

The airstrike targeted areas east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed a 'terrorist squad' was planing an explosive device near the security fence. "Hits were confirmed," an IDF spokesperson said.

"An explosion was identified, originating from the explosive device the terrorists attempted to plant near the security fence with the intention of harming IDF soldiers," the spokesperson added. It was the second such incident so far this year.

According to the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA), a 23-year-old man was killed at the scene while a 17-year-old was injured and later died of his injuries. Three others were also injured. Ambulances had trouble to reach the scene due to what WAFA described as heavy Israeli shelling.

"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and will operate against anyone who uses terror against the State of Israel," the IDF spokesperson said. "The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza strip."

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