Hamas militants attack Israeli army base

Palestinian militants attacked an Israeli army base in southern Israel with mortar fire early today, wounding four soldiers, the army said.

The Hamas militant group claimed responsibility.

The attack happened at the Erez crossing on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, the army said. One soldier was in moderate condition, while the others were lightly wounded, the army said.

The attack came shortly Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he would not negotiate a ceasefire with Palestinian militants firing rockets.

On Saturday, the Hamas militant group said it would consider a one-year ceasefire with Israel, but only if Israel halts military activities in Gaza and the West Bank.

A Hamas-affiliated radio station said Hamas militants carried out today’s attack.