Palestinian killed in blast near ruined Gaza airport

Young man dies and his brother is seriously wounded after unidentified device explodes

A file photo of Gaza International Airport, currently in ruins (Photo credit: YouTube screen capture)
A file photo of Gaza International Airport, currently in ruins (Photo credit: YouTube screen capture)

GAZA CITY — A young Palestinian was killed and his brother seriously wounded in an explosion on Saturday near the Gaza Strip’s abandoned airport, the health ministry said.

“Naji Khaled Abu Sabla, 21, was killed and his brother Akram, 18, seriously wounded in the face and stomach when an unidentified device blew up in the area of the airport” in southern Gaza, said ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra.

Police in the Hamas-run territory said they suspected it was “a device left behind by the Israelis in the zone, where they make regular incursions.”

However there was no verification of this claim.

Israeli forces hit the airport’s radar tower in 2001 when Palestinians launched a violent uprising, forcing it to close down. Further strikes reduced the airport buildings to rubble.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.