Three Israelis wounded in shooting attack north of Ramallah

Friday June 20, 2008 23:13 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Israeli military sources reported on Friday that three Israelis were wounded, one seriously, in a drive-by shooting that took place on Friday afternoon in Al Zarqa Valley near the central West Bank city of Ramallah. Return and Struggle Brigades, one of the off-shoots of Fateh movement claimed responsibility for the attack.

Israeli Ambulance

The Israeli sources stated that the gunmen opened fire at a group of Israeli hikers in the area and wounded three of them.  The Israeli army rushed to the scene and evacuated the hikers.

Medical crews of the Magen David Adom  emergency medical response said that one Israeli was wounded in his back while the other was wounded in his stomach. One hiker is currently in a serious condition, while the other two  suffered mild injuries.

Army sources stated that the hikers should have coordinated their outing with the Israeli authorities as required by law when Israelis hike in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, the Struggle and Return Brigades, one of the armed groups of the Al Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fateh movement issued a press release claiming responsibility for the attack.

The group stated that the attack was carried out in retaliation to the ongoing Israeli attacks and the assassination of Imad Mughaniyya.

Also, the group added that it will not accept a truce with the occupation and will “not fear the Israeli threats and will continue the struggle”.

ramallah | palestinian attacks | news report saed at imemc dot org