ZCZC
BFF-28
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-CONFLICT-GAZA-LEAD
Two Palestinians killed in Israel strike on Gaza border: ministry
GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories, Sept 18, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Two
Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on the Gaza border, the
territory’s Hamas-run health ministry said early Tuesday, with Israel saying
they had planted a suspicious object next to the border fence.
A ministry spokesman said the bodies of two men had been taken to a
hospital in southern Gaza after the 11 pm (2000 GMT) Monday strike. He did
not identify them.
The Israeli army said in a statement late Monday the men were targeted
after planting a device.
“Terrorists suspiciously approached the security fence in the southern Gaza
Strip and placed an object adjacent to the fence. In response, an (Israeli)
aircraft fired towards them,” the statement said.
Separately on Monday evening, at least 26 Palestinians were shot during
renewed protests in northern Gaza, the ministry said.
Since months of often violent protests began on March 30, at least 181
Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.
The majority have been shot during protests but others have been hit by air
strikes and tank fire.
One Israeli soldier was killed by a sniper.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1140 hrs