Special to WorldTribune.com

GAZA CITY — Hamas has reported the interception of an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle.

Hamas’ military wing, Izzedin Kassam Brigades, said it shot down an Israeli UAV in the northern Gaza Strip.

This marked the first claim of the seizure of an Israeli UAV by Hamas or its Palestinian militia allies.

“The brigades announce responsibility for shooting down an Israeli miniature UAV,” Kassam said.

In a statement on Nov. 3, Kassam, which said it would provide additional details, did not identify the Israeli UAV. The statement said the UAV fell east of Jabalya, north of Gaza City.

“The brigades are ready to confront Israeli-occupied forces by using all of its power,” Kassam said.

Later, the Israeli military acknowledged the disappearance of one of its unmanned aircraft during a reconnaissance mission over the Gaza Strip. The
military, which denied reports that Hamas shot down the aircraft, said it was investigating the crash of the Skylark-1 tactical UAV, produced by Elbit Systems. The Skylark-1LE, which entered service in March 2013, was said to have undergone a technical failure.

Palestinian sources said the Israel Air Force has employed several UAVs
in operations over the Gaza Strip, including the Hermes-450 UAV by Elbit
Systems. Skylark-1 has been operated by the army’s Artillery Corps.

  Elbit Systems, Gaza City, Hamas reports it shot down Israeli drone over Gaza Strip, Izzedin Kassam Brigades, Skylark-1