20 terrorists break through the fence, IDF shoots 3
After placing an explosive device and blowing up the border fence, 20 terrorists infiltrate Israeli territory; soldiers shoot three Palestinians advancing towards IDF position; 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate at several locations along the Gaza border fence; at least 7 Palestinians were killed during the riots; Lieberman stops fuel tankers from entering into the Strip.
In the midst of the violent riots at the Gaza border fence, IDF troops shot and killed Friday Palestinian terrorists who blew up an explosive device on the fence in the southern Gaza Strip and attempted to cross into Israeli territory.
An initial investigation into the incident shows that the terrorists placed a bomb on the fence, which exploded in part. Then, 20 Palestinians crossed the fence, and soldiers responded with open fire, pushing them back into Gaza. However, three Palestinians continued to approach the IDF post and were shot to death as a result.
As a result, the soldiers, assisted by an elite sniper unit located dozens of meters from the fence, shot the men from a distance of several meters, while the Palestinians took the bodies and fled. No injuries were reported among the soldiers.
Meanwhile, some 15,00 Palestinians gathered along the Gaza border fence and threw burning tires, rocks and explosive devices at soldiers. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, seven Palestinians were killed during the riots.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that "the forces responded with crowd-dispersal means in accordance with the rules of engagement."
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived at a demonstration site along the border fence. Video footage shows Haniyeh and his entourage approaching the border, followed by footage of Haniyeh being evacuated from the scene as a result of tear gas firing.
One of the tires' burning sites is located in front of the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Firefighters began operating huge fans in order to prevent smoke from entering the communities surrounding Gaza. According to the firefighters, the original purpose of these "smoke propellers," which have a powerful jet engine, is to spread smoke in tunnels.
In addition, "peacocks" water barriers that reduce the amount of smoke were installed, and a unique 60-meter facility was built on the Kerem Shalom wall to protect Gaza region communities from smoke.
Meanwhile, incendiary balloon terrorism continues. Firefighting forces gained control over a fire near Kibbutz Ruhama on Friday. Overall, ten blazes caused by incendiary balloons were extinguished since Friday morning.
Haniyeh said on Friday morning that Hamas is still working with Egypt and the UN in order to “reach understandings” with Israel over a potential ceasefire arrangement.
"We are working with a number of parties, including Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations, to reach understandings in order to break the blockade (on the strip)," Haniyeh stressed in a video message at an Islamic conference in Istanbul, Turkey.
Despite recent Hamas statements, indicating that the indirect talks between Israeli officials and the terror group have collapsed, Haniyeh insists the agreement is still possible
.
Haniyeh’s statements come amid international efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in the strip and avoid a flare-up with Israel.
On Tuesday, a truck brought fuel across Israel's border into the Gaza Strip in what sources said was a Qatari and UN-backed drive to improve the conditions in the enclave and stem the escalation of hostilities. In addition to the fuel, trucks for cleaning roads and streets were also transferred into Gaza in the past few days.
Following the events in Gaza, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered Friday to stop fuel tankers from entering into the Strip. Lieberman's office said that "Israel will not tolerate a situation in which fuel tankers are allowed into Gaza, while violence against IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens is being used."
On Thursday the IDF neutralized and destroyed a Hamas terror tunnel hat infiltrated 200 meters into Israel from the Khan Younis area in the central Gaza Strip.
Since the beginning of the "March of Return" riots six months ago, some 200 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip were killed.
