Date : 23/11/2002
Jihad announces responsibility for attack against Israeli warship
GAZA, Nov 23 (KUNA) -- The military wing of The Islamic movement of Jihad,
Jerusalem brigades, announced on Saturday its responsibility of an attack
against an Israeli warship early this morning at the northern area of Gaza
strip near Erez.
The movement said that two of its members were responsible for a martyrdom
operation using a booby-trapped boat against a "Wasp" warship which belongs to
the Israeli navy force and was stationed in the middle of the Mediterranean
opposite to Dugit settlement north of the strip.
A statement issued by the movement said the explosion caused serious
injuries to four Israeli soldiers and damage to the boat.
The two Palestinians died in the attack, said the statement.
The Jerusalem brigades distributed a video tape this morning in Gaza of
those responsible for the attack, Jamal Ismail, 21, from Al-Barij camp and
Mohammed Al-Masri,19, from Bait Hanon giving their final testimony.
Meanwhile, The Israeli army said the three soldiers were wounded during the
attack.
Israeli sources said the warship was seriously damaged when a Palestinian
driving a fishing boat near the ship blew it up.
Today, the Israeli forces banned Palestinian fishermen from heading to the
sea and revoked their fishing licenses in Rafeh area.
In a related development, Israeli Army spokesman said the explosion took
place opposite to Dugit settlement northern the strip and the wounded were
taken to hospital for treatment. (end)
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KUNA 231150 Nov 02NNNN