Gary
01-03-2009, 03:46 PM
Israeli ground troops have entered the Gaza Strip, Israeli military officials have confirmed, a week after the offensive against Hamas began.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said the intention was to take control of areas from which Palestinian militants have been firing rockets into Israel.
Witnesses say armoured vehicles crossed into northern Gaza at four separate points, supported by helicopters.
Earlier, Israel intensified air and artillery attacks on the territory.
France has strongly criticised the Israeli land campaign. The British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said the escalation of the conflict would cause alarm and dismay.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7809959.stm
An Israeli military spokeswoman said the intention was to take control of areas from which Palestinian militants have been firing rockets into Israel.
Witnesses say armoured vehicles crossed into northern Gaza at four separate points, supported by helicopters.
Earlier, Israel intensified air and artillery attacks on the territory.
France has strongly criticised the Israeli land campaign. The British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said the escalation of the conflict would cause alarm and dismay.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7809959.stm