| 2004 IDF outpost bombing attack | |
|---|---|
| Part of theSecond Intifada militancy campaign | |
  The attack site marked with a red dot. | |
| Location | IDF outpost near thePhiladelphi Route,Southern District, Israel |
| Date | 12 December 2004 |
Attack type | Bombing attack, Shooting attack |
| Deaths | 5 IDF soldiers (+ 2 attackers) |
| Injured | 6 IDF soldiers |
| Perpetrators | Hamas andFatah claimed joint responsibility[1] |
The2004 IDF outpost bombing attack was an integrated attack carried out on 12 December 2004 by a Palestinian militant squad of theIzz al-Din al-Qassam military wing ofHamas and theFatah Hawks[1] (a military wing ofFatah) at anIsrael Defense Forces outpost located on theborder between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
FiveBedouin IDF soldiers from the Desert Patrol Battalion were killed in the attack and six others were injured, and the outpost was destroyed. Two Palestinian militants were also killed during the attack.
Long before the attack occurred, Palestinian militants drilled an 800 m (2,600 ft)[1] long tunnel which began from a hidden location within Palestinian homes located near thesecurity fence between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. From there the tunnel went under the border fence and reached a small Israeli military outpost located between theGaza Strip andEgypt. The militants planted 1.5 metric tons of explosives[1] directly below the outpost.
On Sunday, 12 December 2004, at about 17:45 pm, the militants detonated two powerful explosions in two different locations, within a few minutes of each other. These explosions caused extensive damage and injured 11 soldiers.
Immediately after the explosions, two Palestinian militants stormed the outpost and began opening fire at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the outpost. The attackers managed to kill two IDF soldiers before they were killed themselves.[1]
Rescue Forces were summoned to the site assisted by helicopters, whom attempted to rescue the wounded. At this point a third explosion occurred within the outpost, which was an apparent attempt to get casualties among the rescue forces although it didn't cause any casualties or injuries.
Due to the continuous heavy barrage of mortar fire, the IDF rescue forces were only able to rescue the injured after a long while.
Five Bedouin IDF soldiers from the Desert Patrol Battalion were killed in the attack and six others were injured. Total destruction was caused to the outpost in the attack.
Hamas andFatah claimed joint responsibility for the attack.
Following the attack, theIAF (Israel Air Force) sent twoApache attack helicopters fired "at least six" missiles intoGaza city. The IAF targeted at least two buildings used by terrorists to manufacture weapons.[8]
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