2 dead in Gaza blast; IDF denies attack
Palestinians report two civilians killed by artillery fire near Beit Lahiya. IDF Spokesperson's Office says army did not strike in area
According to the Palestinian report, two civilians were killed by shells in the Beit Lahiya area. Sources in Gaza told Ynet that the two are known to be junk collectors. The Palestinians said there were no exchanges of fire in the area before the incident.
On Thursday, the IDF dropped thousands of leaflets in the Gaza Strip, calling on residents to stay away from the Seam Line. The army said that anyone approaching the border fence was risking his or her life.
On Friday evening, two Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip landed in open areas within the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, near the southern town of Sderot. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
At least seven mortar shells were fired towards the western Negev on Thursday morning. Most of them landed between the Kerem Shalom crossing and a community in the Eshkol Regional Council. There were no reports of injuries or damage. Three additional shells landed in Gaza. The Popular Resistance Committees' military wing, the Salah al-Din Brigades, claimed responsibility for the firing.
A Qassam fired from northern Gaza exploded in agricultural lands near Ashkelon on Thursday evening. There were no reports of injury or damage.
In response, IAF jets struck several targets in central and southern Gaza Strip Thursday night. According to reports, three Palestinians were killed in a strike on smuggling tunnels near Rafah.
Efrat Weiss contributed to this report
