WORLD> Middle East
Ukrainian first foreigner to die in Gaza fighting
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-09 14:54

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – A Gaza health official says a Ukrainian woman has been killed by an Israeli tank shell. She is the first foreign national to die in nearly two weeks of violence in the Palestinian territory.

Dr. Moaiya Hassanain of the Gaza Health Ministry identifies the woman as Olvera Al-Jarou. He says she was married to a Palestinian doctor who trained in Ukraine.

Hassanain says Al-Jarou's 2-year-old son was also killed in the strike Thursday east of Gaza City. They were identified Friday morning.

Several hundred foreign nationals were allowed out of Gaza after fighting broke out Dec. 27. Some 760 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials.

The officials say at least half are civilians.