Israeli Paratrooper Forces uncover a tunnel network used by Hamas in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

An IDF K-9 unit soldier “sustained a minor blast injury on Thursday, when an explosion blew out of the tunnel he was about to enter, discovered earlier in the day, Israel army radio said.

It is unclear if his dog was hurt or killed in the blast, which took place within the tunnel, possibly from a booby-trap or ordinance prepared by Palestinian terrorists who emerged from the tunnel at about 04:00, in order to carry out a major attack.

The area is near Kibbutz Sufa, and other Israeli farming communities, whose residents were under a safety lockdown while the incident transpired.

The IDF said its forces identified approximately 13 gunmen attempting to enter Israel from Gaza through the terror tunnel constructed by Hamas. The underground pathway ran from the southern Gaza Strip and emerged just two kilometers from the Israeli community of Sufa. “‹

“‹In a combined security services effort the IDF said its forces operated in order to halt the impending attack striking the group of would-be assailants from the air.

No injuries were reported to IDF forces.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, IDF Spokesman said, “This morning, our forces successfully foiled a terror attack that could have had devastating and deadly consequences to Israel. The threat of terror tunnels, based on Hamas’ abhorrent strategy, is yet another example of the many attempts made by Hamas to violate Israel’s sovereignty and security, by carrying out lethal attacks against Israeli civilians. As we have proven in recent days, Hamas will not be able to launch strikes against Israel without consequences, we will continue to prevent, pursue and counter-strike the actions of the terrorist organization with its terror intentions.”