Gunmen clash with Israeli forces in north Gaza

GAZA, July 5 (Reuters) Clashes broke out today between Hamas gunmen and Israeli forces on the outskirts of the north Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, witnesses said.

Militants fired at least two anti-tank rockets at an Israeli tank, and Palestinian youths threw stones at Israeli forces, who took over several houses in the area as part of an operation to secure the release of a captive Israeli soldier.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the clashes.

REUTERS SCH PC1713