By Stan Goodenough
Jun 29, 2007
Five Israeli solders were wounded by explosive devices detonated by “Palestinians” during IDF anti-terror operations in the Samarian town of Shechem Thursday.
The men were hurt shortly after midnight as they sort to track down terrorists, illegal weapons and ammunition in the old part of the town – which the Arabs call Nablus.
One of the casualties is reportedly in a serious condition and three are in a moderate condition. The fifth was lightly hurt.
A number of Arabs were taken in for questioning, and small arms fire aimed at the soldiers continued throughout the day.
Shechem holds the grave of Joseph, father of two of the tribes of Israel, who lies buried on a parcel of ground bought by his father Jacob, and included in the inheritance of his son Ephraim.
The Arabs claim the land should rightfully be part of their planned – but never before existed – Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, in what was described as the most intense fighting in months between Israel and Arabs inside Gaza, 12 “Palestinians” were killed and two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded in two separate operations in the strip Wednesday.