Israelis strike back after Palestinian rocket attack

UNDER cover of machine gun fire, Israeli tanks rolled into northern Gaza and gunships fired missiles at two buildings early yesterday in what the military called a major drive to prevent Palestinian rocket fire from hitting Israel’s border towns.

One Palestinian was killed and one wounded, security officials said.

Troops, bulldozers and tanks began crossing over the border into Gaza after amassing in Israeli territory throughout the night. Security officials predicted a prolonged reoccupation of some Palestinian areas. Despite the upsurge in violence, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he remains determined to go ahead with his planned withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. Addressing lawmakers, Mr Sharon pledged to speed up the evacuation of settlers who are ready to leave voluntarily.