(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

13 IDF Soldiers Injured in Kerem Shalom Terror Attack

(Saturday, April 19) 13 IDF soldiers were injured in a well-planned terror attack in the Kerem Shalom area of southern Israel. Baruch Hashem, the attack failed.

One of the soldiers reportedly sustained moderate-to-serious injuries, two moderate and the remainder light. Eight soldiers required treatment in a hospital. They were transported to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.

Two vehicles disguised as IDF military patrol jeeps were laden with 300 kilograms (660 lbs) of explosives, and they were detonated near the Kerem Shalom Crossing between Gaza and Israel.

A member of the Bedouin tracking unit, a major, detected something was not right, shouting at colleagues to take cover, averting more disastrous results. Most soldiers managed to enter armored vehicles before the explosion.

After an armored personnel carrier [given to the PA by Israel] broke through the sentry post and exploded, two additional vehicles appearing like IDF jeeps followed and an exchange of gunfire took place. Terrorists fired automatic weapons and mortar rockets. Six terrorists were eliminated in the gun battle.

The IDF ordered area residents to remain in their homes until a thorough search of the border area was conducted to ensure there were no terrorists at large. Hamas claimed responsibility for the major attack, but fortunately, once again, a major attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers was unsuccessful.

Hamas is trying to improve its negotiating position by capturing additional soldiers in the hope of compelling Israel to empty its prisons of the thousands of terrorists being held.

Over the Shabbos/Yomtov, there were numerous other shooting and bomb incidents along the Gaza border. 

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Hamas: More Attacks to be Expected!

Hamas on Monday released statements that attacks against Israel will continue towards bringing an end to the embargo on Gaza.

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Closure Continues

A closure on Palestinian Authority residents throughout Yehuda and Shomron continues and will remain in effect throughout the entire Pesach week.

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8 Rockets Pound Sderot on Sunday

Security officials report that eight Kassam rockets landed in the Sderot area on Sunday. No injuries were reported.

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PA: Two People Killed in IAF Attack

Palestinian Authority sources report two civilians were killed in an Israel Air Force attack over Rafiah on Sunday night.

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Wanted Suspect Apprehended in Bet Lechem

IDF soldiers involved in counter-terror operations on Sunday night apprehended a wanted suspected in Kafr Haris near Bet Lechem. No injuries reported.

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Terrorists Fire at Farm Workers

Gaza-based terrorists late Sunday night opened fire at farm workers in Kibbutz Nir Oz. No injuries were reported.

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Israelis Enter PA-Controlled Yericho Over Shabbos/Yomtov

Five Israeli over Shabbos and the first day of Pesach entered into PA-controlled Yericho. They were taken into custody by PA police and turned over to Israeli authorities.

They were placed under arrest and will most likely face charges for violating the IDF Central Commander’s order prohibiting Israelis from entering Palestinian Authority autonomous areas.

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Firebombs Hurled at Motorists Near Azzoun

Firebombs were hurled at Israeli drivers traveling near Karnei Shomron on Sunday night near the Arab village of Azzoun. No injuries were reported.

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Hazmat Incident at Ben-Gurion Airport on Shabbos

Petach Tikvah firefighters and hazardous materials teams were operating at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Shabbos after a leak of a hazardous substance was detected in a cargo plane that arrived from Amsterdam.

The incident was neutralized without injuries.

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Policeman Injured in Rock Attacks in Petach Tikvah

Stones were hurled at the Petach Tikvah fire station over Yomtov, resulting in smashed windows and damage.

A policeman who responded found himself in the midst of another rock attack, resulting in minor injuries. He chased the attackers, apprehending one. A colleague of the suspect then returned and began attacking the policeman, succeeding in releasing his friend from custody. Police are investigating.

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Rockets Hit Sderot Over Shabbos and Yomtov

Kassam rockets were fired into the Sderot area on Shabbos and the first day Pesach. Baruch Hashem, there were no reports of injuries but there were reports of at least one major fire caused by the explosion and numerous reports of property damage.