Palestinian militants carried out a deadly attack in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, Wednesday morning, killing at least one civilian and wounding three soldiers. At least one of the militants was reported killed in the ensuing gun battle.
An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed the attack near the Jewish settlement, Morag, in the southern Gaza Strip. She says militants detonated a bomb near an army jeep and opened fire on its occupants.
The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack, but one of the groups spokesmen claimed the gunmen killed everyone inside the vehicle.
Wednesday morning's attack comes just a few days after Palestinians overwhelmingly elected Mahmoud Abbas as their new president. Mr. Abbas campaigned for an end to violence and a resumption of peace talks with Israel.
The new president made no immediate comment on the attack, which highlights the challenges he faces as he tries to improve ties with Israel and reign-in Palestinian militants.
