Terror group vacates HQ after Barak announces Gaza to be ‘severely hit’ in response to terror attacks
Elior Levy
Palestinian sources reported Wednesday that Hamas’ interior minister has ordered the the security forces headquarters in Gaza to be immediately evacuated for fear of IDF retaliation for the multiple terror attackson the south, where at least seven people were killed and about 30 were injured.
It was also reported that Israel closed the Kerem Shalom border crossing without further notice. The central cargo channel was shut immediately after the terror attack.
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Hamas voiced concerns that Israel „is trying to export the crisis that has befallen it, and transfer it to Gaza.”
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has hinted that harsh retaliation is to follow, saying while visiting the south that „Gaza is a source of terror, and we will take full-force action against them.”
„There will be a price tag to this event,” he said. „Gaza will be severely hit. It is clear that the plan (for the attack) came from terror organizations in Gaza…The IDF will soon prepare for a response.”
Injured being evacuated from attack site (Photo: Herzl Yosef)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conferred with Barak earlier over security issues. The Prime Minister’s Office said that the attack was „a planned terror event.”
Around noon Thursday an Egged bus traveling from Beersheba to Eilat was ambushed by a three-man terror cell. Over a dozen people were wounded in the attack, which took place on Highway 12, about 30km north of Eilat, near the Ein Netafim junction.
Soon after that a second incident was reported, involving multiple roadside bombs and rocket fire at IDF forces patrolling the Israel-Egypt border fence.
A third incident was reported at around 1pm, involving yet another shooting on a bus and a private vehicle traveling south. Five people reportedly suffered mortal wounds in the attack.
