At least seven people have been wounded in a Hamas attack on an IDF position at the Gush Katif Junction in Gaza.

One person is in critical condition, two are seriously wounded and four are suffering from light to moderate injuries following the attack. Two helicopters evacuated the wounded to Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva.

The attack took place just before 7 PM at the Orchan position, targeted earlier this year by a tunnel packed with explosives. The powerful explosion was caused by a suicide bomber.

The bomber detonated the explosives in an area designated for inspecting suspicious persons and vehicles. Following the attack, the IDF closed the Kissufim crossing and main road leading to the Jewish communities of Gush Katif.

The Hamas terror group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Earlier today, a wanted terrorist was apprehended by IDF soldiers near the location of the bombing.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited Gaza this morning in order to meet with IDF officials there and discuss possible ways to stop the rocket and mortar attacks.

Kassam rockets and mortar shells continued to pound Jewish Gaza today, as well. Four mortar shells fell on Jewish communities in Gush Katif and three rockets fell in empty areas outside Gaza.

Terrorists from the Tel Sultan area of southern Gaza fired at a school in the Jewish town of Atzmona. No injuries were reported.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 19th, 2005 and is filed under hotnews.