The Israeli army killed a Palestinian presidential guard and seriously injured two others when it shelled a base belonging to President Yasser Arafat’s Force 17 in Gaza late Wednesday, said reports.
The MBC satellite channel said Israeli tanks fired four shells at a training base of the special unit near the flashpoint Jewish settlement of Netzarim. It said no fire had been launched from the base.
However, AFP quoted the Israeli army as saying Palestinians had fired three shells at Netzarim and that a tank fired two shells "in the direction of the firing."
The Palestinians identified the victim as Lieutenant Kamil al-Jawad, 28, said the agency.
The army did not say whether there were injuries or damage at Netzarim, but said residents of the settlement had been told to take shelter.
Israel has frequently accused Arafat's guards of involvement in anti-Israeli attacks. On Friday, Israeli security forces said they arrested Mohammad Damrawi, an officer at the unit, alleging he was behind bomb attacks at Jewish settlements and ambushes that killed eight Israelis and injured 20 others.
Palestinians say that attacks on settlements are legitimate acts aimed at liberating occupied lands, recognized as such by the international community, while attacks against Israelis inside the Green Line have been officially condemned on many occasions – Albawaba.com
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