A Palestinian terrorist infiltrated the community of Netzarim in Gaza early this morning, spraying gunfire and grenades at Israeli soldiers’ caravans. Three soldiers were killed and two others were wounded.

The attack began at 4:15 AM when, under the cover of darkness, heavy fog and diversionary tactics, a Hamas terrorist from nearby Jebalya snuck through the town’s outer electronic security fence. At the same time, gunfire was directed at other soldiers elsewhere in the area of Netzarim, occupying their attention. Army Radio reported that the terrorist appeared to be familiar with the area, knowing where the army offices and caravans were stationed. Soldiers and the local civilian emergency force arrived on the scene within minutes, gave chase, and killed the terrorist. Local residents were instructed to stay in their homes for fear that another terrorist was on the scene; the alert was removed at 8 AM.

Two female soldiers and one male were killed, while two other soldiers were wounded. The latter were taken to Ashkelon’s Barzilai Hospital - a woman soldier in very serious condition, and a male soldier in moderate condition.

IDF Southern Commander Gen. Idan Har’el said this morning that the forces recovered quickly and succeeded in killing the terrorist, but that the entire incident will be investigated.

“Warfare in Gaza has long been ongoing, and the events of the past night prove this,” Gen. Har’el said. He was referring to a series of incidents including gunfire at a car at the Kisufim Junction, in which three members of one family were lightly wounded; the killing of a terrorist who approaching the border fence near Nachal Oz; and reports of gunfire at IDF posts near Atzmona, N’vei Dekalim, and Rafiach; no one was hurt in these latter attacks, and IDF soldiers returned fire. Early this afternoon, three mortar shells were fired at a Jewish town in the area; no one was hurt.

Sarit Shneior Only five hours after the deadly attack in Netzarim was it permitted for publication that the victims were IDF soldiers. Their names were released for publication in the course of the morning:

Alon Avrahami Sgt. Adi Osman, 19, of Kfar Saba, who was buried this afternoon in her hometown; Sgt. Sarit Shneior, 19, from Shoham; and Sgt. Alon Avrahami, 20, from Or Yehuda.

The map of Gaza with incident’s place

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 26th, 2003 and is filed under hotnews.