Israel Defense Forces troops entered the Gaza Strip for the first time since its operation began.
The ground operation, which has been expected since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead eight days ago, began Saturday night as a column of troops marched into northern Gaza.
Israeli tanks and troops have launched a ground invasion to reoccupy parts of the northern Gaza strip as the military escalated its assault on the Palestinian enclave in an attempt to curb Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.
With Israel's chief military spokesman warning that the attack would take "many long days", the Israeli Cabinet also authorized the call of thousands more reservists. As Israeli tanks and infantry crossed into northern Gaza reports began to emerge of fighting between Hamas and Israeli troops. The invasion comes after Hamas warned Israeli forces entering Gaza faced a "black destiny" and vowed that they would be defeated.
Palestinian witnesses said a small column of military vehicles moved across the border firing tracer bullets after dark. The Israeli army said the assault is intended to take control of territory in the north of the Gaza strip from where Hamas fires its rockets.
0 Have Your Say!:
Post a Comment