Israel to launch major Gaza offensive

Israel’s defence minister is to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire on border towns.

Israel Army Radio said the plan would be presented to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his inner Cabinet today for final approval.

Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz decided on a major military operation after consultations with army commanders and the Shin Bet security service, the radio reported.

Under the plan, troop reinforcements would be sent into the Gaza Strip. Israeli troops have repeatedly entered northern Gaza to stop rocket fire, so far to no avail.

Mofaz made the decision as troops were widening an operation in Gaza in response to rocket fire that killed two Israeli children yesterday. Tanks pushed deep into the Jebaliya refugee camp, a first in four years of fighting.