Israeli forces cross into Gaza Strip
Gaza – Ma'an – Israeli forces entered the Gaza Strip on Thursday after a soldier was injured by a bomb planted at the border, the military said, confirming reports of an incursion following a blast hours earlier.
"This morning, an IDF soldier was lightly injured when an explosive device was detonated against a force patrolling the Israeli side of the central Gaza Strip's security fence," a military spokesman told Ma'an.
"While searching the area, IDF soldiers discovered a second explosive device, which was detonated in a controlled manner by IDF sappers," the spokesman added. "The IDF holds Hamas responsible for maintaining the peace and quiet in the Gaza Strip."
Bulldozers demolished two homes belonging to Ali and Salem Suleiman Ibn Said northeast of Deir Al-Balah, both on the outskirts of Al-Masaddar, and large swaths of olive groves, relatives said by phone. The family reported the destruction of chicken coups, as well.
Residents told Ma'an they heard an explosion, reportedly an anti-tank shell, shortly before the bulldozers were seen. Forces reached 200 meters inside the central region near the Deir Al-Balah neighborhood, witnesses said, and remained in the area until late in the afternoon.
The Chinese news agency Xinhua cited Gaza security sources as saying militants set off explosives near an Israeli army vehicle as four tanks and a bulldozer entered the coastal enclave. The agency reported clashes, and said the homes were located 900 meters inside Gaza.
"This morning, an IDF soldier was lightly injured when an explosive device was detonated against a force patrolling the Israeli side of the central Gaza Strip's security fence," a military spokesman told Ma'an.
"While searching the area, IDF soldiers discovered a second explosive device, which was detonated in a controlled manner by IDF sappers," the spokesman added. "The IDF holds Hamas responsible for maintaining the peace and quiet in the Gaza Strip."
Bulldozers demolished two homes belonging to Ali and Salem Suleiman Ibn Said northeast of Deir Al-Balah, both on the outskirts of Al-Masaddar, and large swaths of olive groves, relatives said by phone. The family reported the destruction of chicken coups, as well.
Residents told Ma'an they heard an explosion, reportedly an anti-tank shell, shortly before the bulldozers were seen. Forces reached 200 meters inside the central region near the Deir Al-Balah neighborhood, witnesses said, and remained in the area until late in the afternoon.
The Chinese news agency Xinhua cited Gaza security sources as saying militants set off explosives near an Israeli army vehicle as four tanks and a bulldozer entered the coastal enclave. The agency reported clashes, and said the homes were located 900 meters inside Gaza.
