A statement from Palestinian groups purporting to hold an Israeli soldier have demanded the release of women and children under 18 held in Israeli prisons.

Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip infiltrated Israel through a tunnel early today, attacking a military post and killing two Israelis before soldiers shot dead three gunmen, the army, militants and witnesses said.

An Israeli aircraft attacked a training camp used by Palestinian militants in Gaza City today, killing at least four militants, Palestinian security officials said.