Tremor hits Israel; raids kill 14 in Gaza

A tremor shook the Holy Land on Wednesday, scattering Israelis and Arabs in panic and sending a reminder of the potential for a destructive ...

A tremor shook the Holy Land on Wednesday, scattering Israelis and Arabs in panic and sending a reminder of the potential for a destructive quake foreseen by seismologists and Biblical prophets. Israel said the epicentre of the quake was at the north of the Dead Sea and that it measured about five on the Richter Scale—often felt but rarely strong enough to cause damage.

Cracks were spotted in Israel’s Knesset Parliament building after a session was suspended because of the tremor. Damage was reported to buildings in Nablus and a Lutheran church in Bethlehem.

Emergency service official Magen David Adom said they had treated several people for shock after the tremor. Meanwhile, Israeli troops killed at least 14 Palestinians in gunbattles in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Israel said the raids were carried out to root out militants behind attacks on Jewish settlements. Witnesses said soldiers backed by tanks moved near dawn into Shijaia, a militant stronghold in Gaza City, opening fire and drawing a response from masked gunmen.

Medics said 12 Palestinians, including at least six gunmen and a policeman, were killed. Another two were shot dead in another raid on Rafah camp. —(Reuters)