Gaza militants say attempted beach attacks was revenge for the killing of Hamas commander

Gaza militants say beach attack avenge killing

JERUSALEM — Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip say a failed attempt to send floating bombs toward Israeli beaches was meant to avenge the mysterious death of a Hamas commander in Dubai.

The militants say additional bombs are still floating in the Mediterranean, and Israeli police have cordoned off a swath of the country’s coastline because of fears of further attacks.

Police say two barrels, each containing 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of explosives, washed up on Israel’s shores late Monday. No one was hurt.

Police say they are now sweeping Israel’s entire coast line in jeeps and on horseback. They also have shut down a 25-mile (40-kilometer) strip of the beach near Gaza.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip say a failed attempt to send floating bombs toward Israeli beaches was meant to avenge the mysterious death of a Hamas commander in Dubai.

The militants say additional bombs are still floating in the Mediterranean, and Israeli police have cordoned off a swath of the country’s coastline because of fears of further attacks.

Police say two barrels, each containing 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of explosives, washed up on Israel’s shores late Monday. No one was hurt.

Police say they are now sweeping Israel’s entire coast line in jeeps and on horseback. They also have shut down a 25-mile (40-kilometer) strip of the beach near Gaza.