Israeli army kills five in fresh attack

At least five Palestinians were killed and 40 wounded when dozens of Israeli tanks, covered by attack helicopters, surrounded the centre of the crowded Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip early today.

In the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday, an Associated Press Television News photographer was shot and killed during a clash between Israeli forces and Palestinians, and a Palestinian attacker was shot dead in another part of the West Bank.

The violence came as Palestinian leaders continued to argue over the make-up of a new Cabinet under premier-designate Mahmoud Abbas, with the US and other powers preparing to present a new Middle East peace plan once the government takes office.

In the cramped Rafah refugee camp on the Egypt-Gaza border, at least 35 Palestinians were shot by Israeli troops, witnesses said.

A 15-year-old boy, three men in their 20s and a policeman were killed, Palestinian doctors said.

Israeli military officials said the army was operating in the Rafah area, but would not give details.

Israeli forces penetrated the camp from three directions, using more than 35 tanks and armoured personnel carriers, bulldozers and jeeps.

Five attack helicopters circled above, flashing spotlights above the crowded camp, where approximately 60,000 live.

The incursion appeared to have targeted the Yibna neighbourhood, one of two known militant strongholds in the Rafah refugee camp.

The Israelis destroyed three houses, Palestinians said.

“I was sitting outside with some friends playing cards when suddenly we came under fire,” said Marwan Khatib, 39, who lives in the camp which is less than two miles from the Egyptian border.

“Bullets hit the wall next to us and tanks were coming toward us very fast.”

Rafah has been a flashpoint of tensions between Israeli troops and Palestinians. Recently, foreign peace activists have set up protest camps to try to block military incursions.