Not For Lack of Trying

Israel suffers yet another suicide bombing attack. This time, the suicide bomber was caught at a checkpoint, but killed an Israeli and four Palestinians at the checkpoint. The NYT headline only says that one Israeli was killed. Why would they reduce the body count of Palestinians killed by the suicide bombing unless they're worried that people might get the idea that the terrorists could care less who they kill as long as they kill as many people as possible. Palestinian or Israeli, it doesn't really matter.

The suicide bomber blew himself up as he was trying to enter Israel to carry out an attack.

An IDF officer was killed and around 10 people were wounded in a suicide bombing in the West Bank on Thursday morning.

A suicide bomber detonated himself at a surprise IDF roadblock south of Tulkarm, near Shavei Shomron. The bomber was driven in a taxi to the area, and when he exited the vehicle, soldiers asked him to open his coat. He refused, and set off his explosives.

Four Palestinians - including the taxi driver - were also killed in the attack. It was unclear whether there were other Palestinian fatalities.

Three soldiers were wounded in the attack as well.

Seven Palestinians, including a child, were reportedly wounded, and were taken to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm.

MDA teams arrived at the scene and evacuated the wounded. One soldier, in critical condition, was taken to the hospital by helicopter. Another two that were listed in light to moderate condition were evacuated as well, MDA reported.

Islamic Jihad took credit for the attack. IDF officials noted that they had received information about a planned suicide bombing and set up the checkpoint to prevent the bomber from attacking within the Green Line. Islamic Jihad receives support from Syria.

Meanwhile, the search for three British citizens kidnapped in Gaza goes on. Kate Burton and her parents were kidnapped yesterday. Burton works for the al Mezan human rights group, and according to Debka, one of the many Fatah offshoots denies responsibility for taking the three hostage.