Israeli tanks incur into Gaza, Palestinians injured – report

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Published time: May 17, 2012 12:01
Edited time: May 17, 2012 16:01

Between four and seven Palestinian farmers were reportedly injured in clashes with Israeli troops, who used tanks and bulldozers to tear down their homes, Palestinian sources say. Israel would not comment on the casualty reports.

The incident allegedly happened in the early hours of Thursday near Beit Lahia, east of Gaza City. Palestinian reports say three of the victims were elderly people. Two of the people were taken to hospital, reports RT’s Paula Slier from israel.

Between six and eight Israeli tanks and bulldozers are said to have been involved in the incident.

The Israeli Defense Forces command declined to comment on the casualties. But it said that a group of Palestinians riding in a private vehicle approached a patrol unit near the defunct Karni crossing, which lies east of Gaza City, Jerusalem Post says.

Two soldiers reportedly fired a number of shots in the air after the vehicle failed to stop on the patrol’s command. Israelis suspected that the Palestinians were trying to plant a roadside bomb.

The incident came amid high tension in the region following the anniversary of Israel’s declaration of independence on May 14.

The Arab world remembers May 15 as Nakba Day, or Day of the Catastrophe, in commemoration of Palestinians who were expelled or fled their lands as the Jews were struggling to form their national state.