Israeli forces raid Gaza, kill 2 in clashes

GAZA, Aug 14 (Reuters) Israeli ground forces backed by military aircraft killed at least two Palestinians during a Gaza Strip incursion today that touched off clashes with local gunmen, witnesses and hospital officials said.

They said those killed during the raid on the southern village Qarara were a Hamas militant and a 40-year-old bystander. Witnesses said at least one other civilian had been killed but this could not immediately be confirmed. At least 11 militants were wounded.

An Israeli army spokesman said the operation was carried out to try to find a suspected militant tunnel network at the Gazan frontier and prevent cross-border Palestinian rocket fire.

''During the operation, our forces encountered gunmen and fired on them, hitting at least four,'' the spokesman said.

REUTERS CS VC1236