[13 December 2004] GAZA CITY,(Saba) - Five Israeli soldiers were killed when Palestinian militants blew up a tunnel under an army post in Gaza, as jailed intifada leader Marwan Barghuti pulled out of the Palestinian elections.

The attack at the Israeli-controlled Rafah border crossing was the latest sign of a resurgence of violence in Gaza that has clouded hopes for peace between Israelis and Palestinians after Yasser Arafat's death on Nov 11.

Hamas and a group known as the Fatah Hawks claimed responsibility. They said they had burrowed for 600 yards to reach an Israeli post at the Rafah border and set off the massive bomb.

TD
SABA