Israeli tanks and bulldozers have entered the southern Gaza Strip in what reports say is the biggest incursion into the territory in months.
Israeli tanks and bulldozers have entered the southern Gaza Strip in what reports say is the biggest incursion into the territory in months.
Three Palestinian militants were killed early in the fighting, local medical officials said.
Three Palestinian militants were killed early in the fighting, local medical officials said.
Israeli military officials say two soldiers were wounded. Reports speak of 30 or more tanks being involved.
Israeli military officials say two soldiers were wounded. Reports speak of 30 or more tanks being involved.
Gaza is run by the Hamas militant group which took over the territory in June after a violent struggle with Fatah.
Gaza is run by the Hamas militant group which took over the territory in June after a violent struggle with Fatah.
On Wednesday, Israel and the Palestinians are to hold a first round of talks following the US-hosted Annapolis conference on the Middle East in November.
On Wednesday, Israel and the Palestinians are to hold a first round of talks following the US-hosted Annapolis conference on the Middle East in November.
Hamas, which won parliamentary elections January 2006, was excluded from the talks and from the negotiations that are about to be launched. It does not recognise Israel.
Hamas, which won parliamentary elections January 2006, was excluded from the talks and from the negotiations that are about to be launched. It does not recognise Israel.
The incursion was launched not far from the Sufa crossing point into Gaza, in an area sometimes used by militants to launch rocket and mortar attacks at Israel.
The incursion was launched not far from the Sufa crossing point into Gaza, in an area sometimes used by militants to launch rocket and mortar attacks at Israel.
The militants killed in the fighting are reported to be from the Islamic Jihad group.
The militants killed in the fighting are reported to be from the Islamic Jihad group.
The Israeli force cut traffic on the main road that runs north-south through Gaza, cutting it in two.
The Israeli force cut traffic on the main road that runs north-south through Gaza, cutting it in two.
Hours before the operations an Islamic Jihad militant was killed in an Israeli air strike, local medical officials said.
Hours before the operations an Islamic Jihad militant was killed in an Israeli air strike, local medical officials said.
Are you in Gaza? Have you been affected by the incursion in any way? Send us your comments.
