Fayyad: IDF operation in Gaza 'crime against humanity'

Clashes, airstrikes continue throughout day as IDF troops engage Palestinian gunmen. Officials in Gaza put death toll at 18 - including two youths, local photographer. Palestinian Authority declares day of mourning
Ali Waked
Yedioth Ahronoth Latest Update: 04.16.08, 23:20

The Palestinian government, headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, declared a nation day of morning will commence on Thursday following the deaths of 18 Palestinians in IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip. Fayyad's cabinet harshly condemned the Israeli operations, calling them "crimes against humanity."

Since the early morning hours on Wednesday the death toll in Gaza has risen to 18, several of whom are said to be youths.

Ten people were reported killed in an IDF strike near the region where three IDF soldiers were killed earlier in the day during an exchange of fire with Palestinian gunmen. Witnesses said the attack included at least three Israeli missiles. The army confirmed it had targeted a group of gunmen in northern Gaza.

Most of those killed are members of the 'Army of the Nation' organization, however two youths are also said to be among the dead. At least 17 people were wounded in the attack, which Palestinians say took place near a mosque. Several of the wounded are reportedly in serious condition.
IDF troops briefed (Video: Infolive.tv )

In the early evening hours a second airstrike was reported in central Gaza, A local photographer employed by the London-based Reuters news agency and two Palestinian men were killed.

Clashes were also reported between armed Palestinians and IDF troops near Khan Younis. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently visiting Moscow, also slammed the operations. Abbas called on the Israeli government to "end the aggression and cooperate with Egypt's efforts to secure a ceasefire."

Names of fallen Israeli soldiers released
The three Givati Brigade combat soldiers killed in Wednesday's clashes are: Corporal Matan Ovdati (19) from Moshav Patsih in the western Negev, Corporal Menahesh Albinath (20) from the Negev town of Kuseife and Corporal David Papian (21) from Tel Aviv.

Their names were cleared for publication after their families were notified.

Around 6:00 am soldiers manning an IDF observation post near the Gaza border identified a group consisting of six armed Palestinian men approaching the security fence near Kibbutz Be'eri in an apparent attempt to infiltrate the border. A force from Givati's Tzabar Battalion was alerted to the scene and troops crossed some 500 meters into Palestinian territory to engage the gunmen.

The terrorist cell managed to flee to a nearby vantage point, and two gunmen were sent to set off explosives near the Israeli troops.

Meanwhile over 13 Qassam rockets were fired towards Israel on Wednesday afternoon, in the latest
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barrage by Palestinian terror groups from northern Gaza. The rockets landed throughout the western Negev, with one landing in Kibbutz Nir Am and damaging several homes.

Another rocket landed in Sderot's industrial zone. At least 19 rockets have been fired from the Strip since the early morning hours. No injuries have been reported in any of the incidents.

Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report

First Published:
04.16.08, 17:35