IDF: Israel Navy thwarted terrorists sailing from Gaza
IDF says it foiled rare maritime attack by armed squad equipped with wetsuits and diving gear; Hamas says four killed, other Palestinian sources say two of five militants survived.
By Avi Issacharoff, Anshel Pfeffer and News Agencies Tags: Israel news Gaza IDFStory Highlights
- Gaza sources: Men were members of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade training for future attack
- IDF: Commandos fired on boat carrying armed Palestinians that set out from central Gaza
- In separate incident, IAF fires missile at Gaza, killing one
The Israel Navy opened fire on an armed squad of five Palestinians wearing diving suits and apparently on their way to attack Israeli targets, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday morning.
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An Israeli Zodiac boat approaches an Israel Navy warship, May 31, 2010 |
| Photo by: AP |
An army source told Haaretz that at about 4:30 A.M., naval commandos identified and fired on a boat carrying five armed Palestinians heading north from waters off the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Gaza sources reported that four Palestinians were killed. Hamas later confirmed the deaths and said a fifth Palestinian was missing - although conflicting reports from Gaza claimed at least two of the five-member squad survived.
Four bodies were retrieved and taken to a hospital in central Gaza, said Moawiya Hassanain, a Palestinian health official. Two of the dead had suffered multiple gunshots to the head, Hassanain said.
Other Palestinian sources told Haaretz that the miltants were members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an extremist offshoot of the Fatah faction led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The militants were training for a rare attempt at a seaborne attack on Israel when they encountered Israeli forces, the sources said.
The IDF said there were no Israeli casualties.
An unnamed military official told Army Radio that the operation had been a boost for the Navy's elite commando unit, Shayetet 13, which has come under international scrutiny since killing nine activists in a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla a week ago.
"This will be a shot in the arm for the commandos after the hard week they have been through," the official said.
Two weeks ago, IDF troops near the Gaza border escaped unharmed after a bomb planted by Palestinian militants exploded close to the border fence.
That bombing came a day after two mortar shells fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza struck near the city of Ashkelon, without any casualties or damages reported.
In January a number of barrels packed with explosives were washed ashore in Israel after apparently being launched from Gaza. The Gaza-based militant group Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility for launching the 'bomb barrels', none of which exploded.
Also on Monday morning, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a target in the northern Gaza Strip, killing one, Palestinian sources said.
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So four people were killed to lift the morale of the commandos who botched the raid on the Mavi Marmara. One man's shot in the head is another one's shot in the arm? How callous can you get??
It never ends with these Arab terrorists. Israel cannot win in the world of public opinion. The anti semitism is to rampant. Perhaps it is time to treat these terrorists the way the world says they are treated.
all humans are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. kill first, ask questions later, is an illegal and immoral practice, whether by Israel, USA, or others.
never read such conflitting reports. those divers first are accused of being on their way to attack israeli targets, then in the same aricle it is said they were training for a rare attempt at a seaborne attack on israel. were they questioned them? how can they state they were training and they were attacking. then soon after they have confessions that they were militants. they didn't retrive the bodies which means thecorpses were abandoned in the middle of of the sea. but then suddenly they are found in a hospital in central gaza. at the same time all the identities were known. they were hamas, they were al aqsa martyrs. plenty of fabrication to show the world that the israelis are the good guys and the palestinians the bad guys, those who always mount attacks against israel. erdogan has said it right: ISRAEL YOU SHALL NOT KILL.
Stronger than before! Powered up for more! Rangers at the core! Go Go IDF Navy!!!
iam curious if this incident also will be investigated!
Probably just fisherman trying to feed their family. Israeli translation for Palestinains trying to live= terrorist
It is a sad world we live in where so many people are now supporting terrorism particularly by Iran, Turkey and the Palestinian people. Those that support these people should be ashamed of yourselves. You probably bring up your children to support your sick views. Israel have thwarted many potential terrorist attacks not just on Israeli soil.
fortunately nobody believes IDF anymore
Hamas needs a "real" victory to keep control of Gaza. A "real" victory would be to hold "real" elections. Unless they do that, they will always be terrorists to any rational person.
I guess the Palestinian "sources" provide detailed operational details (the miltants were members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade training for a rare attempt at a seaborne attack on Israel) just like that.
Could Israeli authorities return all the luggage, personnal belongings and electronic that were illegaly confiscated from the civilians aboard the Gaza flotilla after they were kidnapped by Israeli forces? or are their laptops, cameras, clothes... already on sale?
Jesus may save, but Moses invests!
It is VERY interesting that it happens for the very first time now, when Israel is under international pressure regarding their massacre of aid workers. Hamas knows very well how the Israeli navy patrols Gaza's waters. I extremely doubt such an "attempt" took place. They're probably some poor fishermen. It wouldn't be the first time some poor fishermen are killed by the Israeli navy in the name of security!
"killing one"??? One what? Do you mean that the IAF missile accurately killed a Palestinian? If so, then use proper nouns and lose the ambiguity so that we can recognize the facts as they really are. Also, Fatah has said this was a boat of armed Fatah Palestinians on a training exercise. Why didn't the IDF know this??? Again, lack of communication on the Israeli side. However, easy propaganda for the blockade against Hamas for those who like accepting unchecked facts.
wet suits, scuba diving equipment.... just think of the mayhem they could have caused.
They were probably a Gaza-flotilla on their way to Turkey to help the Kurds
Wrong!..those where fisherman out for mossels. War crime!
A Zodiac moving off Gaza is bound to be attacked by the IDF. With the lateral coastal buffer zone distance considered, seaborn attacks from Gaza to Israel are basically impossible without the use of a submersible which is not the easiest thing to procure in Gaza. Whoever in Hamas decided for this was a big idiot.
...who try to torpedo their people's chances for the world weighing in on their behalf. Such terrorist missions are totally counterproductive in the struggle to reduce the inhumane blockade of Gaza. It would be good if the "mastermind" of this madness is among those who were killed. However, how can this be a Fatah operation in Hamas controlled Gaza? This doesn't make sense.
How many fishermen wear wetsuits? Is this a new form of extreme fishing?
HIT BACK ISRAEL! THE WORLD HAS TO KNOW WHY YOU GO TO SUCH LENGTHS TO PREVENT THE HAMAS IMPORTING WEAPONS
I read here in netherlands, the 'operation' (read: new slaughtering!) was performed by the same commando as the massacre last week on the flotilla. I think some extremist settlement soldiers are on the loose slaughtering. Really about time the world does something about israel}|
The navy soldiers who "massacred" those 9 "innocent" Turks are the real victims of that story. They went on that ship only to take control over it, a did that they were perfectly backed-up to do by the UN. Israel didn't just decide to make blockade...
The UN made it clear to Israel that Hamas is considered also by them as a terror organization and that Israel have the right to make a maritime blockade on Gaza (by international law). Secondly, the soldier on Mavi only opened fire when.... hhhadno ot
they had no other option and that was after 3 of the 15 of them were taken over by the Turk mob on that ship and that most (if not all) were beaten by that mob (1 thrown from the deck - very badly injured). If they hadn't acted the way they did there were 3...
Israel is blockading Gaza that had lobbed 10,000 Rockets on civilians, Also to deny the Gazans access to arms to perpetuate their daily killlings. The blockade will continue. And you are misinformed!
3 more kidnapped soldiers to Israel in Gaza or maybe a much more fierce reaction from Israel which would result in many more casualties. The Turks on board of that ship are the ones who became violent even before the soldiers...
have rolled down from the helicopters and and they are the ones that created an illusion of a calm and peaceful peace boat while in reality they were extremely violent and there for they are the ones who are responsible for this sad event!
Now, we have a distraction of Palestinian scuba divers 'attacking'. Only Israelis could believe such propaganda. Until Israel returns all of the stolen cameras and mobile phones the world will continue to believe nothing that Israel says. If Israel's story were true these items would contain evidence. Beyond that, keeping the money and possessions of the peace activits just adds theft to piracy, murder and kidnapping.
"This will be a shot in the arm for the commandos after the hard week they have been through," the official said. " Appeasing cold blooded murderers who had the audacity to attack another state's civilian vessel in international waters and claim it was the victims that made them do it. What twisted logic! God only knows whose moral yardstick they were using as it looks no different than the Somali pirates to me. And of course the big question there is Why weren't US and Nato officials condemning this and calling up their big guns against Israel? I don't think this hypocrisy is missing from any- one's radar today . It certainly was in peoples' e-mails and comments. Dutch
Do you really think these divers were on the way to make a research, or is it their weapons that made you come to the conclusion that they had no intentions to attack Israeli soldiers or civilians. The sad thing is that u didn't see the pictures so..
What Israel should have done is wait until the ship was in her waters and sunk it. They would have been within there rights. If you have such a moral highground against Israel all you have to do is acknowledge Israel as a state, put down your weapons of terror, and you will not only have peace, but you will be helped in developing your land. If it is War you want you will once again lose.
better not book diving holiday in Israel
or at least not bring weapon for your diving sessions
Especially if you are member of some martyr-brigade. The men on the boat must be happy, now they got to be martyrs even earlier. :)
Most likely those are innocent fishing men. However, if they are armed, then they are used as a scape goat by an external agency like the Mossad. I don't think any Palestinian (even if he has a little brain) would send armed men to attack Israel at the time being. Do you know why? Because whether it is successful or not, it would benfit Israel.
you would think that no Palestinan would send armed men to attack the NGO's in Gaza, but Hamas did that.
"An unnamed military official told Army Radio that the operation had been a boost for the Navy's elite commando unit, Shayetet 13, which has come under international scrutiny since killing nine pro-Palestinian activists in a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla a week ago." After the flotilla murders the international community may have to a rethink on these commandos. The new conclusion may very well be they are indeed an elite group of military men.
I thought there was a humanitarian crisis in Gaza? That it was like a concentration camp or the Warsaw Ghetto? Where did they get these dive suits?
Boy, those Palestinians never miss a chance to screw up an opportunity. Hats off to them, truly.
What exactly were the intended targets cited by the navy ? Five men in a boat were planning a "seabourne attack " on Israel" ? Is this credible ? No mention of weapons on the boat, but two people shot more than once in the head. Does this sound familiar ? The killing machine of the Israeli navy indeed got its "boost".
Only when Israel thwarts a terrorist attack are the intended victims criticized...
We here in the States love and support ISrael. FYI fishermen don't 'fish' in wet suits. Commandos do. A Gaza education? Piss poor at that.
There've been plenty of seabourne attacks on Israel over the years. Not every incident involves the big bad Israeli wolf terrorizing poor innocent Palestinians. Sometimes a terrorist is just a terrorist.
I will make sure in teh future Carol that the IDf clears all operations with you and brings you up to speed before an operation. So you dont have tyo ask stupid questions. Then again keep asking stupid questions so we at least know who the stupid people are.
or tourists
or heaven
Israeli military thugs claim ‘armed’ (< lie) Palestinians (from the half starved Gaza strip) were shot dead wearing wet suits. The "Defence" excuse again. Just who do the IDF think they are fooling? It is they that are the instigators - They are out of control vicious savages. Is it any wonder Hamas is lobbing rockets - I can't really blame them. Pádraig Galway Ireland
Nor, I suppose, can you blame the Northern Irish Unionists.
um... can u name a single country who is not (and hasn't been since its creation) recognized by its neighbours, whose enemies are hell bent on wiping it off the map. Hell, even al qaieda said they would back off the US if they left the ME! Unfortunately, Israel's enemies have given no such "way out" option to the Israel short of dismantling the country. Surely you must conceded the defense argument has SOME legitimacy? Also, its funny how you are so willing to play the psychologist and adopt an apologetic approach when dealing with islam terror (" Is it any wonder Hamas is lobbing rockets - I can't really blame them.") but are very judgmental with regards to israel. If you want to be a shrink, why don't you do it the other way around like "millions of arabs have always wanted to send them to the sea and burn their flags in a weird ritual, no wonder they are so worried about their security."
Go Israel!!!! God is with thee! Oh, don't forget-you still need Jesus Christ as your Savior! I am with you, but you better call on Him soon!!! Muah!
weirdo
Jews Doesnt believe in Jesus or Christians...booo wake up guys....They are the one who killed Jesus as per your believes and you want them to believe in Jesus,,,,ha ha what world are you in...you look like a blind follower....Jesus never claim divinity...Rather he pointed out to his Lord, your Lord is our Lord... All other prophets too said through me is the way to your creator/Lord/Allmighty....don't be out of context...learn more before you rubbish more...
Your so called Savior have not done much for your mental well being or moral compass. Maybe you need to study your own saviors words a little better. And keep your religion to yourself, we are plenty pleased with our own choices and religion. You are nothing but a wolf in disguise trying to setup us against the moslems to fight us when we weaken, you are nothing but evildoers trying to steer us wrong.
how dare israel's elite navy seals defend the country they swore to defend. how dare they kill terrorists on their way to harm the jewish state and its citizens. more importantly, how dare these jewish elite troops fight at all and succeed at defeating the jihadists.
This wouldn't be the same "elite navy seals" that botched the raid on the humanitarian aid ship.......... would it?
Do you have an inside source? What was the threat. So far the claim is that they were armed, but no weapons are reported.
that it was at least training for an attack (although that seems a bit counterintuitive). Either way, whether the threat was training or underway, Israeli forces rightfully took them out, saving innocent lives in the process.
Without you Israel is nothing. With you Israel will still be nothing.
what is wrong with this whole thing. an attack on what? i've never seen a news article on the successful stopping of terrorists ever fail to include what was going to be terrorized.
This is why the Gaza blockade should not be lifted.
Yeah, it should not be lifted because some gazan might enjoy using their shores to fish and dive?
because usually the Israeli navy shoots unarmed Gazan fishermen.
Must've had a rough life.
oh my, i can perfectly see what newspapers around the world would say next.... now Hamas seems to be sending their men directly to death just to continue their propaganda and attention worldwide... this is a bad new indeed
It’s only been two days... and Islamic Jihad has learned it’s lesson. That peaceful activism garners world attention... right. So how do they react. Yeah well, brainless bozo’s can’t simply change their ways... can they. Let the world community continue to proclaim, that bailing-out Hamas or Islamic Jihad is necessary and a humanitarian effort. I wonder, if the international community can overlook Gaza’s commitment to peace and non-belligerency... from now on.
Were those killed armed with guns, or merely "equipped with wet-suits". If they were armed, then Haaretz should have reported this, it not, why were they shot and not arrested? Something is missing.
I hope this answers your question: "Other Palestinian sources told Haaretz that the miltants were members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an extremist offshoot of the Fatah faction led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas."
A wetsuit is not a weapon. The article says they were armed. With what? Do you just reprint press releases or do any of your reporters ask questions? Aren't you even curious?
your hatred for israel has clowded any jugdment you once might have had.
Just imagine what would have happened if Israel allowed Europe and Turkey to dictate the terms. This would have been called yet another "peace" ship.
The UN is suggesting an international inquiry? No problem, we'll fake a "rare maritime terror attack".
Well done Israel ! Remember. Most of Israel is with you. Those who are against,whether in Israel or abroad,will hit the dust quicker than they think !
Outstanding work by Shayetet 13 once again!
And Ban wants to submit them to inquiry? Does anyone realise what massacre would have occured had those 4 terrorists succeeded? For once, Netanyahu is right! Don't touch our soldiers! They are all that stands between life and death.
hah! yeah, they would have killed them with their scuba gear!
no trial? Where's the evidence? A shot in the arm for your boys failure earlier in the week? A lot of "apparently" used in place of facts in this article. Israel, you have become a nation of blood thirsty murderers.
more marbles and emeril lagasse knives i suspect. also, dear god, diving suits!! anything but DIVING SUITS!!!!
on a scuba diving trip. Shame on Israel!
Must have been leftover "activists" from the "flotilla".
Were there any weapons seized?????
After all, the israelis no longer back the weeping heroes... or they wanted some of their cool back so they shot the first target they could spin into terrorist elements.
MV Marmara fight was not a simple altercation. Something went on. This group was only decoy. And the timing of the last ship is no coincidence, either. IDF should prepare to something very unusual. And the politicians should pull their heads out of the deep lethargy pockets. There is enough going on, including murder of Catholic Priest in Turkey, Criminalization of marrying women of Jewish descent in Egypt. You guys are sleeping cats. With good hands and accurate approach UN may not ignore the two developments above. At least two commissions must start working to investigate the both issues, or it will be our loss. Where is Livni? Still worried about signing of on the maps? Can she represent Israel in UN?
to my shame, i had not thought of it. obviously the idf did think of it.
thank you Zahal. Continue to protect us against these terrorists bent on killing us. do not waiver in front of world opinion... we will not waiver with our love and admiration for you. kol ha kavod!
And that the pro-Philistine crowd will claim that their weapons weren't really weapons.
The entire nation of Israel has gone completely mad and have turned into a gang of thugs.
Either you are drunk or you have gone completely mad for making such a stupid remark
They have turned into a bunch of Russian losers.
You should know, Ireland has 16% unemployment, priests that use boys as sex toys, ah yes! The 'moralist Irish society. Seems Ireland is a part of what economist Roubini calls the EU PIGS. Portugal Italy Ireland Greece and Spain. Seems the Irish can drink but, they can't count or, win!
If you have ever been to Ireland, you understand how "Mad" the Irish really are. All you have to do is realise how they destroyed their own economy. The Irish are mostly decent , but they are not always sensible.