GAZA CITY Ñ Israeli commandos and armored forces raided the largest
city in the Gaza Strip from three directions, killing nine Palestinians.
Israeli forces, backed by attack helicopters and tanks, raided suspected
Palestinian insurgency strongholds overnight Tuesday. The targets included a
Hamas installation in southern Gaza City and in the neighboring refugee camp
at Jabaliya.
Thirteen Palestinian weapons factories were said to have been destroyed
amid what was termed as heavy resistance. Israeli military sources said one
of the factories produced the Kassam-class short-range rocket.
Israeli tanks also shelled the home of a Palestinian insurgent,
identified as Mohammed Farhat. Farhat was said to have participated in a
Hamas operation in the Israeli community of Atzmona in the northern Gaza
Strip in March.
"What was not routine was the incursion, which was so deep, in the Gaza
Strip," an Israeli officer, identified as Lt. Col. Ron, said.
Palestinian sources reported that nine Palestinians were killed and
another 20 were injured in the Israeli raid, which was said to have included
90 armored and infantry vehicles. The sources said one of those killed was
Mohammed Kishkho, identified as a commander of the Fatah-sponsored Al Aqsa
Martyrs Brigade.
There were no reports of Israeli casualties.
Israeli officials said the government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is
considering expelling Hamas leaders from the Gaza Strip in wake of the wave
of Islamic suicide bombings in the Jewish state. They said the Israeli
operation in Gaza came after several delays to avoid an escalation in the
region.
In the West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian insurgents opened fire on
Jewish worshippers at the Cave of the Patriarchs on Monday evening. One man
was killed and three others were injured, one of them seriously. Thousands
of Jews are expected to attend holiday celebrations in the city on Tuesday.
In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities reinforced police and security forces
amid an alert of an impending Palestinian attack in the city. Tens of
thousands of people are expected to flock to Jerusalem during the Jewish
holiday of Tabernacles.