Deadliest Attack on Israeli Forces Since Palestinian Self-Rule in Gaza Strip

Strategic Insights -

A Palestinian suicide bomber on a bicycle crashed into an Israeli army checkpoint in the Gaza Strip, killing three Israeli soldiers and wounding four others, as well as four Palestinians, including a Palestinian police officer. The attack marks the deadliest assault on Israeli forces since the launch of Palestinian self-rule in May. The Islamic Jihad group claimed responsibility, citing revenge for the killing of one of their activists, Hani Abed, blamed by Palestinians on Israeli intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attack was carried out by a Palestinian suicide bomber on a bicycle who strapped explosives to his body.
  • The bombing occurred at a road junction near the Nezarim Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip, an area still guarded by Israeli soldiers despite the start of Palestinian self-rule in May.
  • The Islamic Jihad group took responsibility for the attack, stating it was a revenge for the killing of Hani Abed, an Islamic Jihad activist.
  • The attack resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and the wounding of four others, as well as four Palestinians, including a Palestinian police officer.
  • Israeli army chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak said that preventing suicide attacks was not simple and that Israeli and Palestinian officers would convene to discuss how to prevent a recurrence.
  • Israeli Health Minister Ephraim Sneh attributed the attack to the lack of ability to stop all attacks during Israeli rule of the Gaza Strip.
  • Ghazi Jabali, commander of the Palestinian police, blamed Islamic Jihad and stated that his forces would take action against the group.

Statistics:

  • Three Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack.
  • Four Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians, including a Palestinian police officer, were wounded.
  • The attack was carried out by a Palestinian suicide bomber on a bicycle.
  • The bombing occurred at a road junction near the Nezarim Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip.
  • The Islamic Jihad group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sources:

  • Israel Radio
  • The Palestinian Authority
  • The Israeli Ministry of Health
  • Ghazi Jabali, commander of the Palestinian police
  • Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak, Israeli army chief-of-staff
  • Israeli legislator Uzi Landau, member of the Likud party