Palestinian fighters cross Gaza border with Israel; 1 killed

Tuesday August 17, 2010 06:35 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian fighter who apparently crossed the border with Israel and the southern Gaza Strip on Monday. The Islamic Jihad claimed that three fighters had gone to place mortars at an Israeli military site when they were fired upon by Israeli soldiers, killing one of the fighters.

Gaza map (BBC image)

One Israeli soldier was also lightly injured in the skirmish, according to the Israeli military. The incident took place east of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. Following this attack, Israeli forces invaded Khan Younis, firing tank shells into residential neighborhoods, according to local residents.

The southern Gaza Strip, where the incident took place, has been severely impacted by the Israeli-Egyptian siege, due to its proximity and close historical trade relationship with Egypt.

The three-year long siege has crippled the economy of the Gaza Strip, where the unemployment rate has reached 80% and residents are imprisoned inside, and not allowed to live.

gaza strip | palestinian attacks | news report saed at imemc dot org