Palestinians look at the remains of a vehicle after it exploded in Gaza City
March 9, 2012.(REUTERS/Suhaib Salem)
March 9, 2012.(REUTERS/Suhaib Salem)
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- An Israeli strike targeting a car in western Gaza killed the head of the Popular Resistance Committees and a former prisoner released by Israel four years ago, medical officials said Friday.
PRC secretary-general Zuhair Qaisi and Mahmoud Hanani, a Nablus native freed from Israeli custody four years earler, were killed in the blast in Deir al-Hawa, a Gaza health ministry official said.
Adham Abu Salmiya said one other person sustained injuries in the explosion. He had initially said Hanani was released in last year's Shalit deal, but later said it was a different swap.
An Israeli military statement confirmed the operation and said the men "had been responsible for planning a combined terror attack that was to take place via Sinai in the coming days. A direct hit was confirmed."
It added that the Israeli army "does not seek an escalation in the region."
However, it said, "the IDF is prepared to defend the residents of Israel and will respond with strength and determination against any attempt to execute terrorist attacks."
Hamas "uses other terror organizations" to carry out attacks and will be held responsible, it said.
Maan News Agency
PRC secretary-general Zuhair Qaisi and Mahmoud Hanani, a Nablus native freed from Israeli custody four years earler, were killed in the blast in Deir al-Hawa, a Gaza health ministry official said.
Adham Abu Salmiya said one other person sustained injuries in the explosion. He had initially said Hanani was released in last year's Shalit deal, but later said it was a different swap.
An Israeli military statement confirmed the operation and said the men "had been responsible for planning a combined terror attack that was to take place via Sinai in the coming days. A direct hit was confirmed."
It added that the Israeli army "does not seek an escalation in the region."
However, it said, "the IDF is prepared to defend the residents of Israel and will respond with strength and determination against any attempt to execute terrorist attacks."
Hamas "uses other terror organizations" to carry out attacks and will be held responsible, it said.
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