Israel denies Palestinian reports drone shot down over GazaNovember 4, 2013 - 11:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Israeli drone has come down in the northern Gaza Strip, with Israel denying Palestinian reports that it was shot down, BBC News reported. The armed wing of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, claimed it had shot down and seized the mini-drone. But the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the crash was the result of a technical fault and the matter was being investigated. Israel is among the world's biggest manufacturers of drones. They are unmanned aerial vehicles which Israel uses to gather intelligence and, sometimes, to carry out attacks. "IDF clarifies, in contradiction to Palestinian reports, that a 'Skylark' tactical mini UAV system crashed earlier today in the Gaza Strip due to a technical malfunction, and was not shot down by Palestinian militants," an IDF spokesperson told the BBC on Sunday, Nov 3. "The IDF is looking into the matter." But Hamas said fighters from its military wing, the Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades, had downed and seized the drone. Hamas sources told the BBC that it came down east of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip. Last May, a drone of the same model crashed near Gaza, because of a technical error. Troops recovered the drone after a 12-hour search. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |