31. Telegram From the Embassy in Egypt to the Department of State1
1256. At 8:30 last night Israeli force crossed DL east of Gaza and attacked GOE forces. Following details from Gohar: Israeli strength two platoons. After crossing DL they split up into three squads. First squad blew up pump installations at edge of Gaza town which have only recently been rebuilt after previous attack. Four Egyptian soldiers killed.
Second squad attacked GOE Army camp adjacent to pump, blew up all buildings with TNT and sprayed ruins with light automatic fire. Eleven killed including captain. Sixteen injured.
Third squad took height beyond camp.
Israelis also used light mortars.
At about 10:15 p.m.GOE reinforcements advancing from south of strip on road to Gaza town ambushed by Israelis using Molotov cocktails. Twenty-two killed, fourteen injured, including lieutenant commanding platoon.
Totals thirty-seven killed, thirty injured, include one civilian killed, one wounded. Late report says one more civilian killed and one more wounded.
GOE has filed complaint requesting investigation and called for emergency MAC meeting.
Doty ofNew York Times got confirmation of story from Gohar at, a.m. [sic] and took off by GOE military plane for Gaza with Hewett of AP at 10:15 this morning.
Comment: Gohar describes this as “most serious incident since signature armistice agreement”, as “butchery” and “sneak attack”. Asked if he had any ideas regarding reason for attack, Gohar said “No, things have been quiet recently along DL but Israelis were preparing for this.” He then said Reuters despatch received 4 a.m. here carried statement issued by Israeli Army spokesman four hours before attack accusing GOE intelligence agents of intensified activity in Negev.2
[Page 74]Gohar denied any knowledge GOE decisions which may be taken as result attack. He personally thinks matter should be taken to SC after MAC meeting.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/3–155. Confidential; Priority. Received at 2:01 p.m. Repeated priority to London, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and USUN. Although appointed Ambassador to Egypt on January 24,Byroade did not present his credentials until March 7.↩
- Reference is to an article entitled “Egypt Blamed in Raids” in theNew York Times, March 1, 1955, p. 2.↩