Palestinian Government in Gaza condemns attack on Egyptian soldiers

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The Palestinian Government in the Gaza Strip on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on the Egyptian border station, which claimed the lives of 16 Egyptian soldiers and wounded seven others.

Mr Yousof Rezqa, an aide to Prime Minster Ismail Haneyeh, accused ‘Israel’ of responsibility for the attack declaring that the on-going investigations would prove that soon.

Sunday’s attack, which resulted in the closure of the Rafah Crossing for passengers and the Karm Abu Salem Crossing for fuel and commodities, angered citizens of the Strip.

The Government in Gaza denounced suggestions that the territory was the base from where the attack was planned and launched. Rezqa said the Government “strongly rejects the targeting of Egyptian soldiers as well as Egypt’s national security which is a part of ours.”

Meanwhile, Palestinian political parties erected tents in Gaza’s Unknown Soldier Square, to offer condolences and tributes for the victims of the terrorist attack.

Prime Minister Haniyeh on Monday led the Taraweeh prayer (Night Ramadan Prayer) organised in front of the closed Egyptian embassy in Gaza to express solidarity with Egyptian people. They also performed a funeral prayer for the victims.

The Palestinian and Egyptian flags were raised together during the prayer and in many congregations throughout the Strip in a show of fraternity between the Egyptian and Palestinian peoples.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad