Israeli soldiers re-entered the Gaza Strip April 4 for the first time since November, killing at least one Palestinian fighter. Troops in tanks, bulldozers and jeeps moved onto farmland near the village of Beit Hanoun and clashed with Palestinians near the separation barrier. Islamic Jihad said soldiers shot and killed Ramez Awad al-Zaanin, as he was trying to plant an explosive device in the path of oncoming tanks. Israel said it ordered the incursion after three Palestinians were seen trying to plant an explosive charge near the fence. Defense Minister Amir Peretz authorized the army to carry out limited operations in the Gaza Strip, telling reporters that Israel will "not allow the continued strengthening and arming" of Palestinian groups. (AlJazeera [1], April 4)
See our last post on Israel [2] and our special feature on the beseiged Gaza Strip [3].
