Palestinian bomb hits Israel border patrol in grave ceasefire breach

January 27, 2009, 11:14 AM (GMT+02:00)

A week after Israeli forces exited the Gaza Strip, Palestinians planted a large explosive device Tuesday, Jan. 27, against a routine Israeli military patrol near the Kissufim crossing. There are unconfirmed reports of casualties. An exchange of fire ensued. Israel tanks fired shells into the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians report one death.

The incident occurred a day before US president Barack Obama's Middle East envoy George Mitchell pays his first visit to the region. He was sent off with instructions from the US president to act to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire and help bring humanitarian aid to its Palestinian population.

After the Palestinian bombing attack Tuesday morning, the Israeli army closed the Gaza crossings to aid convoys scheduled to have transited Tuesday. The trucks were permitted to carry essential products into Gaza throughout the 22 days of Israel's Gaza operation.