Israeli force move into Gaza near crossing
GAZA, June 19 (Reuters) Israeli tanks crossed into the Gaza Strip today near a key crossing point where some 150 Palestinians have been trapped while trying to flee from the territory since Hamas Islamists took it over, witnesses said.
The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the operation near Erez Crossing.
An Israeli army bulldozer was seen razing concrete barriers at the crossing, a frequent scene of shooting attacks by gunmen. Several water bottles were thrown from a tank to Palestinians there who have been waiting at Erez for days to enter Israel.
Many of the Palestinians there are seeking refuge in the West Bank, where Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas holds power. Others seek medical treatment inside the Jewish state.
Hamas gunmen took over the Gaza Strip last week after deadly clashes with security forces loyal to Abbas, the Fatah leader.
Reuters
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