TERROR ATTACK AT GAZA CHECKPOINT

11 soldiers wounded in attack on Rafah Terminal Crossing By MARGOT DUDKEVITCH
Eleven Israel Defense Forces soldiers were wounded Sunday evening in a combined bomb, mortar and shooting attack on an IDF position near the Rafah Terminal Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip along the Gaza-Egypt border. Hamas and the Fatah Hawks took joint responsibility for the attack.

A strong explosion rocked the crossing just after 5:45 p.m. when a tunnel packed with explosives was blown up underneath the IDF position. According to Hamas, the tunnel was dug over a period of more than four months, going unnoticed by the IDF. The fact that Palestinians managed to dig the tunnel without the military noticing it, indicates a serious intelligence flaw as digging such a long tunnel takes several months.

The blast was followed almost immediately by a barrage of mortar shells and small arms fire. Then two of the attackers, both armed, attempted to infiltrate the IDF post. One of the attackers was killed by IDF fire, while the second Palestinian reportedly escaped. Another bomb was detonated near troops during the ensuing battle.

Security officials said the first blast occurred when over one-and-a-half tons of explosives exploded inside a tunnel, which was dug under the JVT security checkpoint. Serious damage was caused to the structure, which is used by both Israeli and Palestinian security forces to check Palestinians leaving the Gaza Strip for Egypt and Israel. Soldiers of the Home front Command searched for and later found a soldier who was buried under the rubble when one of the buildings in the structure collapsed. The soldier was earlier reported missing. He was found and taken to hospital with moderate wounds.

Over two hours after the attack, the wounded were still being evacuated, under fire, towards the nearby Israeli community of Kerem Shalom. According to Zaka rescue service, three people were seriously wounded in the attack. The wounded were then transferred by IAF helicopters and ambulances to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba.

Rescue teams were finding it difficult to reach the scene due to the heavy exchange of fire.
Hamas' military wing Izzadin Al-Kassam and the Fatah Hawks claimed joint responsibility for the attack. They said the attack was filmed and video will be released at a later stage. The Hawks are a youth movement within the Fatah which has turned into an armed militia. The Fatah Hawks statement said there were a number of "warriors" still at the scene. Palestinians say the tunnel was dug over a period of four months. News agency broadcasts show Palestinians celebrating in Gaza streets following news of the attack.

SEE ALSO: Soldiers discover 7-kg bomb at Nablus checkpoint
Paratroopers and soldiers of the Haruv Battalion on Sunday discovered a seven-kilogram bomb hidden in a school satchel inside a truck that was passing through the Hawara checkpoint outside of Nablus. Sappers blew up the bomb, which officials said was slated to be used in a suicide bomb attack in Israel.