Suicide bomber injures four near Gaza

A Palestinian suicide bomber exploded at an industrial zone between Israel and Gaza on Saturday afternoon, the army said.

The blast injured four Israelis, one critically, according to Israeli rescue services. Israel Radio said the injured included three soldiers.

Hamas and the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a militia affiliated with Arafat’s Fatah movement, claimed joint responsibility for the attack.

They identified the bomber as Fadi Al-Amoudi, 22, from Beit Lahiya.

The explosion happened in the industrial zone at Erez in northern Gaza, where about 6,000 Palestinians work in factories producing plastics, textiles, iron and electronics, the army said.

After the explosion Israeli helicopters were heard flying over the area.

Israel Radio reported the bombing took place at the same place where Reem Raiyshi, a mother of two, blew herself up on January 14, killing four Israeli guards.

Erez, also the main crossing point into Israel, has been a frequent target of attack by Palestinian militants in recent months.