Palestinians ambushed an Israeli army patrol Wednesday, wounding one officer, Israel radio reported. A military official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed that a soldier had been wounded in an encounter with Palestinians, but refused to elaborate. Later, the officer died of his wounds.
The radio added a group of soldiers was on a routine early morning patrol along the road separating the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian border when the Palestinians opened fire. The soldier's wound was described as moderate to serious.
Commenting on the incident, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said its forces had confronted an army patrol just inside Gaza. In a statement warning Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and U.S. President George Bush of more attacks, the Brigades said: "Bush and Sharon must understand the battle of our people against them is long and will not be decided in one round or two."
Two mortar shells landed in Gush Katif settlement bloc, in the Gaza Strip, during the night, Israel Radio reported. One landed in an Israeli settlement and the other near an army outpost. There were no injuries or damage caused.
In addition, a Palestinian opened fire on the Neve Dekalim army outpost in the Gaza Strip overnight. No injuries or damage reported. The Israeli soldiers returned fire, the radio added.
Meanwhile, a security alert was called by Israeli police Wednesday noon in the Sharon area, north of Tel Aviv, including the towns of Kfar Sabah, Netanya and Petah Tikvah, Israel Radio reported.
Roadblocks were erected, tying up traffic, it added. Generally such alerts are called following intelligence reports that a would be suicide bomber has infiltrated from the West Bank. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
