By Xinhua
Gaza : A militant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) was shot dead early on Friday by Israeli troops’ gunfire southeast of the Gaza Strip, Hamas sources and medics said. Hamas said in a leaflet sent to reporters that one of the movement’s militants was killed in an exchange of fire with an Israeli army force east of al-Garara village in southern Gaza Strip.
Mo’aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance services in the Palestinian health ministry said that Bilal al-Astal, 23,was killed and two other militants injured. The three were brought to hospital by an ambulance.
Meanwhile, an armed group calling itself “the Nation’s army” claimed responsibility on Friday for opening fire at an Israeli army force, saying its militants shot and wounded three Israeli soldiers near al-Garara.
“The ambush is a response to the caricatures of prophet Mohamedand a response to the crimes committed against Moslems in Jerusalem,” said the nation’s army leaflet.