Once again, HaKadosh Baruch Hu intervened and prevented an even greater tragedy when terrorists detonated a string of bombs near Kissufim along the Gaza border at 8:02am on Tuesday morning. In actuality, there were five bombs connected to one another, with senior IDF commanders explaining it is clear they hoped to kill all the soldiers in the three-jeep border patrol.
 
Baruch Hashem, only one of the bombs exploded, unfortunately claiming the life of a soldier, leaving an officer seriously wounded, and two others in less serious condition. As was reported on Tuesday, all the wounded were transported to Soroka Medical Center.
 
At this preliminary stage of the investigation, it is unclear if the jeep detonated the powerful bomb or if terrorists detonated it with a remote control. What is clear is that the terrorists did film the event, releasing the footage to the media.
 
The soldiers hit in the attack were from a patrol unit of Charuv, a unit in the Kfir Brigade. They do not usually serve in the area, but were brought to the south due to the war.
 
IDF forces entered Gaza shortly following the attack to inspect the bomb and to check for additional explosive devices. According to Arab media reports, tanks and armored construction vehicles were included in the convoy. The air force was also called to action and Israeli sources confirm one of the terrorists connected to the fatal attack was eliminated. The air force during the night also struck smuggling tunnels along Philadelphi Road.
 
The dead soldier is a member of the Bedouin tracking unit, a resident of Rahat in the Negev. Respecting the wishes of the family, the name or any information that might identify the fallen career soldier will not be published. This is a growing trend among members of the Bedouin community serving in the IDF, fearing retaliatory attacks from PA residents for serving in the Israeli army. The fallen career non-commissioned officer was married and had one child.
 
Reports from IDF officials add the quick action of the soldiers targeted in the attack saved the life of the seriously wounded officer, explaining if tourniquets were not applied immediately as was the case, the officer would have bleed to death from his massive injuries. The seriously wounded officer is married and the father of two.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)