IDF helped Gazan families enter Israel, Palestinians say
Eyewitnesses claim nearly a dozen people were allowed to pass through border fence, while soldiers kept Hamas guards at bay
A group of Palestinians was allowed to pass through the security fence along the Gaza Strip and into Israeli territory, while Israeli troops kept Hamas fighters away, the Hebrew-language NRG website reported Thursday, citing Palestinian sources.
According to the sources, eyewitnesses claimed nearly a dozen people — two men, two women and five to seven children — approached the border fence near Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
Hamas forces moved in to distance them from the area, but IDF soldiers on the other side of the border fired warning shots to keep the Hamas men at bay.
The families, which appeared to be in telephone contact with the IDF to coordinate their movements, headed for a gate in the fence used by Israeli forces to gain entry into the coastal enclave. IDF troops opened the gate, allowing entry to the Palestinians who were then hurried onto a waiting bus.
Israel tightly guards the border fence with Gaza to prevent terror attacks and to apprehend those trying to leave the Hamas-ruled territory. IDF forces have in the past opened fire on those trying to cross the border fence who ignore warnings to turn back.