Israel air raid kills 2 civilians in Gaza-witnesses

GAZA, July 6 (Reuters) An Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip today killed two Palestinian civilians, witnesses said.

They said nine people were wounded, including a few gunmen.

An army spokeswoman earlier said aircraft had targeted Palestinian militants who fired seven anti-tank missiles at Israeli forces around the town of Khan Younis.

Another missile was later fired at a group of militants east of Khan Younis, wounding three, witnesses added.

Israel has launched an offensive in Gaza to free an abducted soldier and end cross-border rocket attacks.

Its forces moved inside southern Gaza a week ago, setting up in the strip's disused international airport. Troops have been conducting forays since then to look for tunnels dug by militants and explosives.

Reuters SB GC1714