IDF FOILS TERROR ATTACK AT GAZA BORDER

IDF troops stop terror attack at Erez checkpoint (JPOST)
IDF troops stopped a terror attack at the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip early Thursday morning. At approximately 4:30 a.m., three armed Palestinians attempted to infiltrate the Israeli side of the crossing.

Civilian guards and Givati troops on duty noticed the three men, who had attempted to slip through the crossing's VIP lane.

The Palestinians attacked the soldiers and guards with hand grenades and gunfire, at which point a Givati soldier opened fire, killing one of the three attackers. After an exchange of fire, a second terrorist was killed. No soldiers were reported wounded in the incident.

While searching the area, security forces found what they believed to be a bomb.

In a call to the Associated Press, The Popular Resistance Committees and the Aksa Martyrs' Brigades claimed joint responsibility for the attack.

The Erez checkpoint is the main crossing for thousands of Palestinian workers with jobs in Israel.

On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers shot and killed an armed Palestinian as he approached the Erez crossing. A second Palestinian died of his wounds Wednesday evening, hospital officials said. Both were members of the Aksa Martyrs' Brigades.