By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

KISSUFIM CROSSING, Israel/Gaza – On January 27, a bomb attack killed one Israeli soldier and injured three others as they patrolled the Kissufim border crossing.  According Israeli military authorities, it is unknown whether the explosive device was remotely detonated or pressured triggered.  This is the most serious exchange since the unilateral ceasefires were declared.

Following the attack, Palestinian witnesses report that a gunfight claimed the life a Palestinian farmer.  Some sources indicate that the gunfight was an immediate response to the bomb attack.  However, Dr Moaiya Hassanain of Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the farmer was killed several miles away.

In confirming the border attack, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, added that Israel must respond to “whoever fires towards us, places a bomb [under us] or smuggles weapons.”  Also, Israel’s Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, warned that Israel would retaliate the grave ceasefire violation at the Kissufim crossing.  Mr Barak said that Israel “cannot accept” the attack. “We will respond, but there is no point in elaborating,” he said.

Such response took place in the form of Israeli airstrikes and ground incursion in southern Gaza.  Residents of Khan Younis report heavy fighting in the area.  One airstrike targeted a Hamas militant on a motorbike.  The strike left him and a passer-by wounded.  Shortly afterwards, an Israeli warplane flew over the strip causing a sonic boom, apparently in a warning to the population.  In addition, Palestinian sources say 20 Israeli tanks and seven army bulldozers have made an incursion.

Also, in response to the border attack, Israel closed the crossings into Gaza.  This comes at a difficult time, as the crossings were briefly opened in the morning to allow the entrance of humanitarian aid.

No Palestinian militant group has claimed responsibility for the border attack.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Deadly Clash Along Gaza Border – 27 January 2009

BBC – Israel Launches Attacks in Gaza – 27 January 2009 h

Ha’aretz – Barak, Defense Officials Assess Response to Deadly Gaza Blast – 27 January 2009

New York Times – Two Killed in Violence on Gaza Border – 27 January 2009

Times – Israel Carries Out Air Strike After Bombs Kills Soldier on Gaza Border – 27 January 2009

Yedioth – Barak Vows to Retaliate Kissufim Attack – 27 January 2009