Deadly Palestinian Attack on Israeli Army Post in Gaza

Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack on an Israeli army post in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing two Israeli soldiers and wounding four others. The attack marked the first militant raid into Israel from Gaza since Israel's withdrawal from the territory in 2005. Israeli troops, backed by tanks, subsequently invaded the Gaza Strip in search of the missing soldier and the Palestinian assailants.

Key Takeaways:

• The attack involved a coordinated effort by Hamas' armed wing, the Islamic Army, and the People's Resistance Committees (PRC).
• Eight Palestinian militants were involved in the attack, with two killed and six returning unhurt.
• The militants used a tunnel to cross the border and fired rockets and blew up an armored personnel carrier.
• The attack was seen as a retaliation for recent Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip, which killed 20 Palestinians, including 14 civilians.
• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, calling on the militants to release the missing Israeli soldier and warning that Israel might exploit the abduction to wreak harsh vengeance on the Palestinian people.

Statistics:

• Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack, with four others wounded.
• Eight Palestinian militants were involved in the attack, with two killed and six returning unhurt.
• The attack was the first militant raid into Israel from Gaza since Israel's withdrawal from the territory in 2005.
• 20 Palestinians, including 14 civilians, were killed in recent Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip.
• Seven Palestinian civilians were killed in a blast on a Gaza beach on June 9, prompting Hamas to call off a 16-month-old truce with Israel.

Sources:

• Xinhua via COMTEX
• XINHUA NEWS AGENCY