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Egyptians hunt terrorists planning Passover attacks By Haaretz Correspondent and Agencies , By Amos Harel Egyptian security forces searched in Sinai yesterday for multiple terror cells believed to be planning attacks in the area against foreign nationals, especially Israelis. The Counterterrorism Bureau has issued a strong warning to Israelis against visits to Sinai during the upcoming Pesach holiday. Late last night, meanwhile, an Israel Defense Forces soldier was moderately wounded when he was shot by a Palestinian sniper in the central Gaza Strip. Advertisement Egyptian military sources told foreign reporters that its forces were searching for four pickup trucks thought to be carrying carrying terrorists to a target site. Roadblocks were set up throughout Sinai in an effort to apprehend the cells, which are believed to be part of "World Jihad." Following reports of plans by Hamas to repeat its breach of the border at Rafah, Egyptian security forces at the border went into high alert yesterday. Israeli officials fear a terror attack with mass casualties at a tourism site popular with Israelis, as well as attempts to abduct Israeli citizens, possibly with intent to take them to the Gaza Strip and use them as bargaining chips in negotiating the release of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel. These operations could be carried out by Hamas or Palestinian terror organizations. Defense Minister Ehud Barak called on Israelis to heed the warnings and cancel any plans to visit Sinai in the near future. Sinai is the only location abroad with a specific warning, but security preparedness is already at the highest level possible in the wake of Hezbollah's threats to avenge the killing of Imad Mughniyeh in Damascus on February 12. The focus of the warnings is in East Asia, Africa and in South America. Extraordinary measures to protect Israeli aviation and Israeli institutions abroad are already in place. Meanwhile, a senior figure in the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine identified as Ibramaim Abu Alba was killed Monday night by an Israel Air Force missile. The DFLP has claimed responsibility for some of the recent rocket attacks on Israel. The IDF confirmed that it carried out the strike targeting Abu Alba, who it said had been involved in a string of attacks against Israel and was planning more. Givati Brigade and Armored Corps Division 401 forces penetrated about one kilometer into Gazan territory early yesterday morning, near Kibbutz Kissufim. The forces met resistance and opened fire, apparently causing some Palestinian casualties. At 1 P.M. there was a large explosion in a building close to the Givati forces, east of the Dir al-Balah refugee camp. Hamas claimed it hit a number of IDF armored vehicles. The IDF Southern Command confirmed the explosion but said there were no IDF casualties. Islamic Jihad said yesterday that two of its militants were injured in exchanges of fire with IDF forces operating in the southern Strip. Barak said yesterday during a visit to Sderot that the government is committed "to quiet and to security. It won't happen today or next week but it will come." He reiterated that Hamas is responsible for all rockets fire or attempts to launch terror attacks from the Gaza Strip, and that it will suffer the consequences. Barak on Monday approved Egypt's request to renew the supply of diesel fuel to the Gaza power station, as well as the supply of cooking fuel to the Strip. He did not approve the renewal of diesel fuel for vehicles. Israeli military officials believe Hamas is likely to launch a public relations campaign shortly over Israel's economic blockade of the Gaza Strip. In addition, they foresee a possible attempt to organize a mass march from Gaza into Israeli territory, together with or instead of the alleged plan to breach the Egyptian border at Rafah. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Breaking with the ZOA Is Harvard University's Progressive Jewish Alliance inciting against Israel? Rising in the polls New survey finds Nasrallah is the most admired leader in the Arab world.

Read & React UN calls for disarming of Hezbollah, Israel-Lebanon solution Responses: 152 Report: Netanyahu says 9/11 terror attacks good for Israel Responses: 217 Three IDF soldiers killed in clashes near Gaza border Responses: 159 15 Palestinians killed in IAF strikes in central Gaza Responses: 165 Arrow successfully simulates intercept of mock Shihab missile Responses: 62 More Headlines 01:41 20 Palestinians killed in IDF operations in Gaza 23:38 Obama slams Carter for meeting Hamas, tries to reassure Jewish voters 14:37 Survey: Nasrallah is the most admired leader in the Arab world 17:34 Report: Netanyahu says 9/11 terror attacks good for Israel 02:11 EU: Israel resumes supply of fuel to Gaza power plant 00:45 Demolition order issued for home of soldier killed in action 19:43 Swedish court reduces Palestinian terrorist's life sentence 01:19 Supreme Court ruling raises questions on definition of battered wife 22:16 Court extends remand of man accused of threatening Leviev's brother 00:06 New Jewish-American lobby wants to be alternative to AIPAC Previous Editions Select Day 16 apr 15 apr 14 apr 13 apr 11 apr 10 apr 09 apr 08 apr 07 apr 06 apr 04 apr 03 apr

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