The breaking news is that 2 palestinian terrorists have shot 4 Israeli security guards in East Jerusalem. The guards have reportedly sustained moderate to severe injuries in the attack, while the gunmen have been shot dead. The al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades – the military wing of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party – has claimed responsibility.
Earlier in the day, palestinian terrorists fired at least 5 Qassams into Israel, with 2 hitting Sderot – one of them destroying a house – and three rockets landing south of Ashkelon. There were no casualties reported, although one man did suffer from shock.
Meanwhile, the IAF struck multiple Hamas targets today, including Hamas installations, a training camp, training base, and a compound, killing 5 terrorists and wounding at least 30. Hamas have warned Israel that further strikes against their military or political leadership would put captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit’s life in (more) danger
In other news, former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon has stated that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is “no partner for peace” (couldn’t agree more) and the Second Lebanon War resulted from the Gaza disengagement (couldn’t agree more), while the new UN Envoy to the Middle East is very troubled by “the level of intra-Palestinian violence, but also by the Israeli attacks which I know have caused civilian deaths.” Apparently, the tens of Qassam rockets being launched against Israel do not trouble him.
Updates (Israel time; most recent at top)
9:10PM: Since my last update, the IAF has struck a Hamas military post along the Gaza coast. Yes, I know, not much to report but that is definitely a good thing.
The man, 36-year-old Oshri Oz of Hod Hasharon, crashed into the wall with his car after it was hit. He managed to get out of the vehicle and take a number of steps before collapsing. He was evacuated to the Barzilay Medical Center in Ashkelon, where he died of his wounds.
Oz was a computer technician who used to visit Sderot often as part of his work. He was survived by his pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter.
The investigation into the incident revealed that the terrorists, armed with pistols, shot the Israelis on a trail leading to a nearby checkpoint. They were then shot by security personnel while attempting to flee the scene and died of their wounds a short time later.A Hizbullah-affiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades cell claimed responsibility for the attack.
9:38PM: 2 of the 4 Israeli security guards shot in East Jerusalem are in critical condition.
