Israeli forces kill 10 gunmen in Gaza Strip

GAZA, Sept 6 (Reuters) Israeli soldiers and helicopter gunships operating inside the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip killed at least 10 Palestinian gunmen today, the highest militant death toll in two months, medical workers and militants said.

At least six of the militants were killed during a thwarted attack on an Israeli military post near the border with central Gaza, Islamic Jihad said.

The militants were approaching the border fence when their vehicles came under helicopter fire. An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed that two vehicles in the area had been targeted.

The fighting came one day after Israel's security cabinet, discussing how to respond to rockets fired by Gaza militants, decided against a broad offensive but to continue ''pinpointed attacks''.

Local residents said a small Israeli commando force crossed into the territory near the Palestinian town of Khan Younis and that gun battles erupted.

Israeli tanks then moved into the area, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and the fighting intensified, the residents said.

Two Islamic Jihad gunmen and two Hamas militants were killed in the clashes.

Islamic Jihad said the six militants who were killed in their vehicles had attempted to infiltrate into Israel.

''The aim of the operation was to tell the Zionists (Israelis) that we will raid your areas if you attempt to raid our areas. As you bring death into our homes, we will bring death into your homes,'' Islamic Jihad spokesman Abu Ahmed said.

An Israeli army spokeswoman in Tel Aviv said Israeli forces were carrying out ''routine activity'' in an area where gunmen have been firing rockets at Israel and digging tunnels near the border fence.

Hamas Islamists seized control of Gaza in June after routing Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Tensions between the groups have escalated in recent days after Hamas announced a ban on open-air prayers organised by Fatah. The gatherings have turned into weekly protests against the territory's Islamist rulers.

On the eve of Friday prayers, Hamas's Executive Force vowed to use an ''iron fist'' against those who violate the ban, increasing tensions.

Fatah leaders have urged their supporters to turn out in large numbers despite the threat of violence.

REUTERS PDT KN2241