Four Israelis were wounded by terrorist gunfire Wednesday evening
while travelling on the Kissufim Road – the main vehicular artery serving Gush
Katif residents.

Terrorists opened fire on Jewish passenger vehicles just west of the Mor
Bridge, at the Gush Katif junction, near the entrance to the cluster of Jewish
communities in Gaza. The attack took place at 9:40 PM.

One victim, an IDF officer, is reported in moderate condition with a chest
wound. A second victim was hit in a leg. They were transported to the trauma
unit of Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Two other victims are reported in
light condition, being treated on the scene. A female is reportedly being
treated for shock. She is somewhat hysterical from the ordeal. In addition, her
small child was lightly bruised in the incident, contributing to her anxiety.

The Kissufim crossing had been reopened just one hour prior to the attack
after being closed for several hours following an earlier shooting attack.
Terrorists had fired at an Israeli vehicle traveling on the Kissufim Route. Soldiers
killed one terrorist and another managed to flee and remains at large.
Unconfirmed reports indicate there may be a second terrorist at large.

Earlier Wednesday evening, dozens of Gush Katif farmers traveled to Be’er
Sheva, to the IDF’s Southern District Command Headquarters, hoping to meet with
Southern District Commander Major-General Dan Harel. The farmers are calling on
the army to take the appropriate measures to halt the terror attacks, which
of late have been increasing in frequency.

Another protest, this one against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to expel
the Jewish residents of Gush Katif, took place in Jerusalem Wednesday evening
as well – prior to the attack.

Tuesday, a Thai laborer was killed in a shelling attack and others injured.
In addition to the physical hazards, severe economic damage has been caused by
the constant barrage of mortar shells, which regularly damage private homes,
hothouses, public buildings and vehicles. Over recent days, there have been
numerous attacks with reports of damage, despite ongoing counter-terrorism
efforts.

Area leaders and residents are calling on the government to untie the IDF’s
hands and permit the response demanded by the severity of the deteriorating
situation. Gaza Coast Regional Council leaders blame PM Sharon and his Gaza
disengagement plan, explaining the announced plans to forcibly remove Jews from
their homes in Gaza has sent a clear signal to Hamas and other terror
organizations that terrorism pays and an escalation in warfare will bring about
additional Israeli concessions.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 16th, 2004 and is filed under hotnews.