Israeli troops backed by tanks and bulldozers crossed into southern Gaza to strike at Palestinian militants today, a day after Israel’s defence minister said a broad operation inside the territory was inevitable.

AN earth embankment around a cesspool collapsed yesterday, spewing a river of sewage and mud that killed four people and forced residents to flee from the village of Umm Naser in the Gaza Strip, officials said.

Hamas fighters attacked a pro-Fatah radio station in Gaza, ambulances were caught in the crossfire and gunmen exchanged machine gun fire in deserted streets as factional battles refused to let up today.

A Palestinian youth was killed in an Israeli airstrike today on a northern Gaza Strip refugee camp, Palestinian officials said.