Israel to impose 'ariel seige' on Gaza

Israeli troops will impose an “aerial siege” on parts of Gaza, shooting from helicopters or gunboats at anyone entering a “no-go zone” near the border, as part of a new campaign against Palestinian militants firing rockets at Israeli towns, a senior defence official said today.

However, Deputy Defence Minister Zeev Boim ruled out a major ground offensive against Gaza. He also acknowledged that the home-made Qassam rockets, which are highly inaccurate and have a range of about six miles, do not pose a strategic threat to Israel.