Jerusalem, June 08: At least three Palestinians opened fire with automatic weapons early today on the Erez checkpoint between the Gaza Strip and Israel, killing or wounding several people before being shot down by Israeli troops, Israeli public radio reported. The radio said at least eight Israelis were hit in the shooting near the Erez Industrial Zone where thousands of Palestinian workers are employed. The three Palestinians wearing Israeli Army uniforms infiltrated into the sector under cover of morning mist, the radio said. The Army launched a search operation and closed off the Gaza Strip. The wounded Israelis were taken to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, south of Tel Aviv.
Some 10,000 Palestinian workers go through the Erez checkpoint to their jobs in israel each day.
Last evening the Israeli Army had re-imposed tight control over the West Bank, but not over the Gaza Strip, following warnings of terrorist attacks. Bureau Report