Officials: Karni shooting shows Hamas’ true colors

Senior diplomatic officials say Monday’s shooting attack which Hamas claimed responsibility for is ‘Hamas’ answer to those who think we should talk to new Palestinian unity government'

Ronny Sofer
Published: 03.19.07, 18:17 / Israel News

Officials in Jerusalem were not surprised by the shooting attack near the Karni terminal north the Gaza Strip Monday morning which moderately wounded an Israeli man.

“This is Hamas’ answer, in record time – as soon as the coalition government was established – to all those who think there can be dialogue with (Hamas),” diplomatic officials said Monday afternoon after Hamas took responsibility for the terror attack.

On Sunday the Israeli government decided not to hold contacts with the new Palestinian unity leadership, and today’s incident appears to have strengthened this stance.

“This is an atrocious act which indicates the true intentions under the mask Hamas has donned lately to win international recognition and legitimization. This is also the answer to all those who say we should try to talk with Hamas regardless of their failure to accept the international community’s preconditions,” the officials declared.

The Israeli man sustained moderate wounds Monday morning by a Palestinian sniper near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, north of the Gaza Strip.

'Saved by a miracle'

The victim, Koby Ohayon, 42, was an employee of the Electrical Company who was conducting infrastructure work at a gas terminal near the kibbutz upon the IDF’s request.

Recovering in Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheva, Ohayon described the incident: “We were carrying out maintenance work for the IDF, and in the middle I heard shots and I felt like a hammer was falling on me.”

A bullet entered his groin area and exited by his hip. “I am going to pray the deliverance blessing – I was saved by a miracle,” Ohayon said, adding that the incident strengthened his Right-wing views.