Terrorist
Attack at the Erez Terminal
(IFM
January 5, 2005) During the night IDF forces identified an armed
terrorist, who infiltrated the Erez terminal, in the northern
Gaza Strip.
Initial investigation
shows that the terrorist infiltrated the terminal via the Palestinian
tunnel that leads to the Israeli terminal, activated an explosive
device that created a hole in the tunnel’s wall and entered the
courtyard connecting the Israeli and Palestinian checkpoints.
The terrorist hurled grenades and opened fire at an IDF post near
the courtyard. An IDF force which arrived at the scene shot the
terrorist, killing him. No injuries were reported on the Israeli
side but damage was caused to the crossing facility.
During the
exchanges of fire, three Palestinian policemen on duty at the
Palestinian side of the crossing were seriously, moderately and
lightly wounded respectively. They were taken by IDF forces to
receive medical treatment on the Israeli side of the terminal.
In addition, several other policemen were taken to an IDF base
near the crossing for protection and questioning.
IDF forces
are conducting searches in the area. The terminal will be closed
until searches are completed.
This infiltration
attack was carried out in the midst of the special humanitarian
mission by the IDF and the DCO to enable 4500 Palestinian pilgrims
to go to Mecca, to allow freedom of religious ritual. As a result
of the terrorist infiltration, the Erez crossing has been temporarily
closed. Searches are being conducted in the area. The infiltration
attack has delayed the course of the mission, which has been halted
until searches in the Erez terminal are completed.
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Previous
Terrorist Attacks at the Erez Terminal
(Communciated
by Israeli security sources) — Terrorist organizations carry
out terrorist attacks at important civilian sites, such as the
Erez crossing terminal, sites that contribute much to the welfare
of the Palestinian population, in order to sabotage any co-existence
between Israelis and Palestinians. Furthermore, by striking at
the Palestinians’ ability to earn a living, the terrorist
organizations attempt to present Israel as responsible for the
suffering of the Palestinians.
A number of
terrorist attacks have been carried out at Erez and other terminals
in the Gaza Strip since September 2000. To date, one Israeli civilian
and 11 security personnel have been killed and ten Israelis wounded
in these attacks.
-
On
January 4, 2005, an Israeli civilian was lightly wounded from
two mortar shells that were fired at the Erez industrial zone.
-
On
January 2, 2005, an Israeli civilian was seriously wounded from
a mortar shell that was fired towards the Erez industrial zone.
-
On
August 31, 2004, a Palestinian terrorist wearing explosive underwear
was arrested at the Erez crossing.
-
On
April 17, 2004, a suicide bomber killed a Border Policeman when
he detonated himself at the workers’ crossing terminal into
the industrial zone.
-
On
March 6, 2004, four terrorists traveling in three vehicles (two
of which were rigged with explosives) attempted to kill Israeli
civilians and IDF soldiers at the Erez crossing.
-
On
Feb 26, 2004, an IDF reserve soldier was killed when two gunmen
infiltrated the Erez industrial zone through a tunnel.
-
On
Jan 14, 2004, a female terrorist carried out a suicide bombing
attack in the workers crossing terminal in the Erez industrial
zone, where magnetic entering cards are issued. As a result
of the attack, one civilian was murdered, in addition to two
IDF soldiers and a Border Policeman. The Hamas and Fatah terrorist
organizations claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing.
It is important to note that this was the first time that Hamas
had used a female suicide bomber. The terminal was severely
damaged, and needed to be rebuilt. As a result, Palestinians
were not able to enter the industrial zone for a few days.
-
On
Dec 4, 2003 a package containing components for making an explosive
device was discovered in a truck carrying mail out from the
Gaza Strip.
-
On
June 20, 2003, a terrorist attack using a bicycle laden with
explosives was thwarted at the Palestinian workers’ crossing
near Ganei Tal.
-
On
June 8, 2003 four IDF soldiers were killed and four others injured
when three terrorists infiltrated the IDF post Magen 12, in
the Erez industrial zone.
-
On
April 15, 2003 two Israeli civilians were murdered when Palestinians
infiltrated the Karni terminal.
-
On
Feb 21, 2003 a gunman armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle,
three hand grenades, four magazines, a knife and a fence cutter
infiltrated the Erez industrial zone and was killed.
-
On
May 12, 2003, an Israeli civilian was murdered when a Palestinian
worker opened fire at him at the Hila crossing.
-
On
April 20, 2002, a Border Police officer was killed when a Palestinian
gunman opened fire at an IDF post in Erez.
-
On
April 12, 2004, a Border Police officer was killed when a Palestinian
gunman opened fire at the Erez terminal.
-
On
Nov 26, 2001, four IDF soldiers were lightly injured when a
suicide bomber blew him self up at the entrance of the Erez
terminal.