Five Israeli settlers were killed Sunday and two were wounded in an attack on an Israeli vehicle at the entrance to the Gaza Strip, Israeli sources reported.
The Israeli army confirmed the deaths of four children and their mother.
According to Israeli sources, two Palestinian fighters attacked the vehicle at the entrance to the Gaza Strip settlement bloc of Gush Katif. Israeli forces chased the Palestinians and killed them. At least four Israeli troops wounded.
The Palestinians fired at the vehicle and used an explosive device in the attack, which took place on the "Kissufim-Gush Katif" road, Israeli sources added.
Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees claimed joint responsibility for the attack, which was described as a response to the killing of Hamas leaders by Israel. The two attackers were identified as Ibrahim Hamad, 22, an Islamic Jihad activist and Faisal Abu Nuqueira, 20. They were both residents of Rafah.
The attack took place on the day of the Likud referendum on the plan to unilaterally disengage from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
Commenting on the incident, Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon said "The terrible murder in Gush Katif is a brutal crime against civilians and children. I share in the pain of the victims' family and wish the wounded a speedy recovery."
"Israel will not rest and will continue to fight terror until it is destroyed, just as we are fighting against it today."
"The disengagement plan is a harsh and painful
blow to the Palestinians. The Palestinians will do everything to prevent its being accepted," Sharon said in his statement.
Hours after the attack, an Israeli helicopter launched three missiles at a 14-story Palestinian building in the middle of Gaza City.
Seven Palestinians suffered light injuries in the strike, on a building that housed the offices for a radio station affiliated with Hamas and also offices of the Palestinian newspaper Al Ayyam and Al Quds. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
