Israeli tanks move into Gaza

Israeli tanks began moving into the Mughazi refugee camp in central Gaza early today under cover of machine gun fire from troops.

The Israeli military confirmed that an operation was in progress.

The camp is near the Gaza-Israel fence across from the Palestinian town of Deir al-Balah. Israeli forces operated in the region late last week before withdrawing.

The incursion was preceded by several hours of tank movements on the Israeli side, as well as exchanges of fire between soldiers and Palestinian gunmen. No casualties were reported.

Israel began a large-scale operation in Gaza on June 28, three days after Hamas-lined militants tunnelled under the border and attacked an Israeli army base at a Gaza crossing, killing two soldiers and capturing a third.