Coordinated terror attack against Jews: 7 dead

Terrorists launched a multifocal terror attack on Israel's south on Thursday, killing five people and injuring over two dozen.

Security forces, as well as Magen David Adom emergency services teams, were immediately dispatched to each of the scenes. The injured were treated on site and rushed to the Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat.

Soon after that a second incident was reported, involving multiple roadside bombs and rocket fire at IDF forces patrolling the Israel Egypt border fence.

A third incident was reported at around 1pm, involving yet another shooting on a bus and a private vehicle traveling south. Five people reportedly suffered mortal wounds in the attack. 

Manhunt in progress (Photo: Channel 10)

Seven of the wounded were evacuated to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, according to Dr. Miki Saraf. He said one of those moderately injured is currently undergoing surgery and that a few others would probably need operations as well.

Heavy security forces presence is noted in the area, as a massive manhunt involving IDF ground forces and aircraft is currently taking place. IDF forces reported three terrorists have been killed. It is unclear at this time if they were the only ones involved.

The Eilat Police have ordered emergency deployment in the area, and a situation room has been set up at the Yoseftal Hospital, which has declared a mass casualty event.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, soldiers were among the wounded in these incidents. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz and Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino are en route to GOC Southern Command, where they will confer with Southern Command Chief Major-General Tal Russo.

All of the roads leading to Eilat have been closed, as was the Ovda Airfield. Eilat's airport has been placed on alert.

The bus (Photo: Channel 10)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak held a security assessment following the attack. The Prime Minister's Office said Netanyahu was being apprised of the situation as it progressed.

 "This was a grave terror attack at multiple scenes. It reflects Egypt's failing hold on Sinai and the rise of terror elements," Barak said. "This terror attack originated from Gaza. We will exhaust all measures against the terrorists."

 An Egyptian security official denied Thursday that Egypt had any involvement in the attacks. The official told Egyptian media that the armed terrorists operated from within Israel's borders.

 "Egypt was in no way involved in the incident, since it is difficult to penetrate the Egypt-Israel border. Moreover, it is impossible to open fire from the Egyptian side to Israel because of the distance," he said.

 Ynet learned Thursday that shortly before Thursday's attacks, Jordan had passed a message to Israel suggesting their intelligence indicated that a terror cell was plotting such an attack.

 The warning was in tow with defense establishment indications of a clear and present threats of terror in the southern sector.