Dozens injured as Israeli tanks roll into Palestinian territory

Israeli tanks and bulldozers have rumbled into Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, razing or heavily damaging 30 homes.

The move has triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire that wounded more than two dozen Palestinians.

The assault marks the first time since the outbreak of fighting late last year that Israeli ground troops have entered Palestinian-controlled territory.

The attack is believed to be retaliation for Palestinian mortar fire on Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defence Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says Israel has no interest in reoccupying Palestinian territory. Palestinian officials say Israel have crossed a red line by violating Palestinian sovereignty.

The violence has cast doubt on US efforts to convene a meeting of Israeli and Palestinian security commanders.

Residents of the Khan Yunis refugee camp say the Israeli attack began at about 12:30am, when several tanks, armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers advanced toward the camp as helicopter gunships hovered above. Shells were fired at the camp, drawing Palestinian return fire, witnesses said. The army said Palestinians also fired more mortars at nearby Jewish settlements.

The mayor of Khan Yunis, Osama Fara, said 15 homes were razed completely and another 15 heavily damaged, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

Palestinian doctors say 29 people were wounded by shrapnel, including two who were in critical condition with head injuries, said Dr Haider al-Kidreh from Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. The Israeli army says it destroyed 11 homes and that all were unoccupied.