The radical Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack on an Israeli army outpost in the Gaza Strip, which killed one Israeli soldier and wounded five other persons, Hamas spokesman told Xinhua.

The suicide bomber, Omar Dabashi, 21, came from the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, said the spokesman, adding that he was a member of al Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing.The suicide bomber blew himself up when Israeli soldiers were checking his car at the Gush Katif junction, said Palestinian sources.

The attack occurred shortly after the newly elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Gaza City to press militants to give up armed resistance against Israel.

Israel has cut all ties with the new Palestinian leadership after the Jan. 13 bloody attack when three Palestinian militants killed six Israelis at the Karni crossing in the Gaza Strip.Israeli Prime Minister on Sunday gave Israeli troops free rein to "stop terror" in Gaza and reports said a large-scale operation was under consideration.

Source: Xinhua