Strike signals start of Syrian-sponsored joint anti-Israel terror campaign approved at Damascus terror summit

DEBKAfile

24 October 2003

Released for publication: Three Israelis killed and two injured at Netzarim, Gaza Strip, before dawn Friday were soldiers. Two Palestinian terrorists broke into battalion command quarters and shot three girls dead, seriously wounded a fourth, under cover of heavy mist. A male soldier who entered was also shot dead, another was injured.

First two names released of victims: Sgt. Sarit Shneour, 19, from Shoham, Sgt. Adi Osman, 19, from Kfar Saba

Hizballah TV reports Hamas and Jihad Islami take joint responsibility for attack.

DEBKAfile adds this strike signals start of Syrian-sponsored joint anti-Israel terror campaign approved at Damascus terror summit.

Elsewhere in Gaza Strip, three members of Neve Dekalim family wounded slightly by Palestinian gunman Thursday night. Separate attempt to break into Elei Sinai thwarted.

Threat of terrorist ground attack forces El Al flight 105 to land at Hamilton airport, Ontario. Toronto-bound Israeli flight with 180 passengers aboard was rerouted for emergency landing at alternate airfield after alert flashed from Israel to Canadian authorities. They responded swiftly by rerouting flight and posting heavy security at airport. After 44 passengers bound for Canada disembarked, flight resumed to destination at Los Angeles