IDF investigates cause of Karni blast

Security forces believe explosives-laden tunnel blew up prematurely.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
idf leave karni 298 88 (photo credit: AP [file])
idf leave karni 298 88
(photo credit: AP [file])
The IDF are investigating the source of an explosion heard at the Karni goods crossing in northern Gaza on Tuesday night. There were no reports of casualties, or damage. Security officials believe that the blast was caused by an explosives-laden tunnel dug by terrorists in preparation for an attack that blew up prematurely. The incident occurred just weeks after the crossing was reopened for business after being closed in January due to terror warnings, after threats were received that terrorists planned to .dig a tunnel in the area and launch an attack on the Israeli side of the terminal. The crossings, that constitute the main entry and exit points into Gaza for goods and laborers, have been the target of numerous terror attacks since the outbreak of violence five years ago. Two weeks ago, two Palestinian gunmen who planned to launch a combined bombing and shooting attack on the Israeli side of the Erez terminal crossing in northern Gaza were killed by IDF soldiers and Israeli civilian security guards. One of the gunmen wore an explosives belt, which blew up during the gun battle that erupted with Israeli security forces. Hours later, a third Palestinian was killed and another wounded by soldiers, after they were spotted attempting to detonate a bomb south of the crossing.