Israeli forces clash with militants in Gaza

GAZA, July 19: Israeli armoured forces clashed with Palestinian militants after entering the central Gaza Strip early today, Palestinian witnesses said.

The army said there was an operation in the area, but gave no further details. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire near the Maghazi Refugee Camp, not far from the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israel has been pursuing an offensive in the Gaza Strip to try to recover a soldier, who was captured in a raid by Palestinian militants on June 25, and to halt rocket fire over the border. At least 85 Palestinians have been killed.

At the same time, Israel is fighting Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon after they seized two soldiers in a cross-border raid last week. At least 235 Lebanese and 25 Israelis have been killed.

Reuters