Gazan crosses border, disappears into Israeli territory

The Gaza Division has opened an investigation into how he managed to penetrate so far into Israel.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
IDF vehicle drives along Gaza border fence [file] (photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF vehicle drives along Gaza border fence [file]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A Palestinian from the Gaza Strip crossed the border into Israel Tuesday and IDF forces were dispatched to the scene once the man was identified.
According to Channel 2 Israel, it took the IDF almost 24 hours to locate the infiltrator. Astonishingly, the man was caught after traveling about 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) into Israeli territory.
The man was apprehended near a greenhouse in the Netivot area.
The military's Gaza Division has opened an investigation into how he managed to penetrate so far into Israel.
The suspect crossed the border in the Eshkol Regional Council and was located by an observation unit while approaching the security fence. Upon crossing into Israel he disappeared from sight.
UAVs and ground units were dispatched to locate the man and security forces conducted the chase for almost an entire day.
The incident ended peacefully when the Gazan was detained. Border Police patrol spotted a lone man walking in a field and decided to stop him for questioning. The suspect was detained and transferred to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) for investigation.
It was determined that the Palestinian was not armed and the incident was not terror related -but the fact that someone was able to illegally infiltrate the country and roam free has triggered many warning signs among leaders in the security field.
Local residents were requested to remain alert and in their homes overnight.


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