Israel Matzav

IDF ground troops officially enter Gaza

IDF ground troops have officially entered Gaza this morning after a pre-dawn attack on an IDF post near Kerem Shalom on the border between Gaza and the Negev. I say 'officially,' because I have noted on previous occasions that IDF ground troops have been back in Gaza since March.

The Palestinians had dug a tunnel beneath the Gaza border near the Kerem Shalom and Sufa crossings, allowing them to move the anti-tank missile and gunmen into an attack position. This showed that the attack was planned well in advance.

After the 'Palestinians' fired the missile there was a gunfight between the terrorists and the IDF troops. During the firefight, Palestinians hurled an explosive device at the troops.

The 'Palestinians' reported that at least four of the terrorists had been killed, and IDF troops were pursuing one of the gunmen, who escaped on foot.

It is not yet clear what operational goals the IDF's entry into Gaza has.

The Jerusalem Post seems to have backed off its earlier report that two IDF troops were killed.

According to HaAretz, military sources said the incursion was part of a manhunt for the remaining gunmen. I find that hard to believe. I expect (and hope) that there is more involved.

HaAretz adds:

It is still unclear who or what the Islamic Army is exactly. Palestinian security sources believe that the group identifies itself with Hamas, but takes a more extreme line.

Following the attack, the IDF advised Palestinian security units to evacuate the Philadelphi Route along Gaza's southern border with Egypt in the Rafah area, saying Israeli military units were to enter.

...

At least seven gunmen reached the post through a tunnel dug under the border. Members of nearby Kibbutz Kerem Shalom were ordered to remain in their houses.

The gunmen split into three squads, one of them firing an anti-tank missile at an Israeli tank, injuring three soldiers. A second squad fired a similar missile at the IDF pillbox in the area. A third group blew up an armored personnel carrier, which was empty at the time. At least three of the Palestinians was killed in an ensuing gun battle.

I suspect that there's a lot more to this story. I'll try to follow it for you throughout the day.

One thing that should be added: Hamas and Fatah supposedly agreed last night to limit attacks to areas that were not in Israel's pre-1967 borders. This attack violates that agreement.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:24 AM