Anti-Terrorism Battles in Hamastan (Gaza) Claim IDF Soldier

IDF forces entered southern Gaza on Tuesday night - the city of Khan Younis, near the former site of Gush Katif capital N'vei Dekalim - to search out terrorist groups and infrastructures. A terrorist cell fired an anti-tank rocket at them, and the two sides began exchanging fire, heavy at times.A stray bullet hit Golani Brigade soldier Ben Koavani of Hadera, causing him serious wounds; he was flown to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, where he died on the operating table. His family was notified before the news of his death was released. No other Israeli injuries were reported.Gave New Meaning to "Giving One's Life for One's Country"The fallen soldier sat in military prison for a few days because of his intense desire to enlist in the Golani. Upon enlisting in the army, he said he wished to be drafted to Golani. He was turned down, and then refused to leave the recruitment office until his life-long dream would come true. He was placed in jail for a few days, then released from the army altogether. Later, he enlisted again, and this time he was placed in a Golani unit - in which he met his death. Ben is survived by his parents, Rachamim and Margalit, his married sister Sarit, and his younger brother Ido.At least one terrorist, a member of Hamas, was killed in the battle, and three were wounded. Hamas has governed Gaza since June, after driving out the Fatah leadership there by force. The soldiers were engaged in the dangerous mission of searching the urban area for specific wanted terrorists. Similar operations of late have thwarted a significant number of planned terrorist attacks. Palestinian Authority sources report that the Israeli forces took over several buildings, shaved fields to prevent terrorists from hiding in them, and made several arrests."We are engaged in a struggle for the border fence," an IDF source told Ynet. "The terrorists are trying to weaken our hold there so that they can carry out attacks against Israel, and our job is to prevent them from doing so. We are engaged in these dangerous activities on nearly a daily basis. The terrorists are improving and rearming all the time."200 Terrorists Killed This YearThe soldier killed today was the sixth killed by Gaza terrorists since Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza over two years ago, and the second this year. Seven Israeli civilians have also been killed by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza since the Disengagement, including three this year.Some 200 Gaza terrorists have been killed by IDF forces this year.
by Hillel Fendel
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123950
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