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Palestinians flee as Israeli troops enter Gaza Strip

Atul Aneja

Olmert says aim of the operation is rescue of the kidnapped soldier

DUBAI: Israel has made a limited military incursion into southern Gaza Strip in a bid to seek the release of one of its soldiers who was captured by Palestinian militants on Sunday.

Israeli tanks and armoured troop carriers entered 1 km inside the southern Gaza Strip. They were deployed in open areas near the town of Rafah, which is close to the Egyptian border in the Sinai desert. One unit of an Israeli brigade had also been positioned along the northern Gaza desert. Gaza's main airport, which is currently in disuse, has also been seized.

Prior to the pre-dawn intrusion, Israeli warplanes attacked three bridges and the main power station in Gaza. The stated purpose of these attacks was to limit the mobility of the soldier's captors. Israelis apprehend that without such restrictions, the soldier could be taken out of Gaza, or moved to another location.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the purpose of the intrusion was to create conditions that would help in negotiating the release of Gilad Shilat, the captured soldier. "Our aim is not to mete out punishment but rather to apply pressure so that the abducted soldier will be freed. We want to create a new equation — freeing the abducted soldier in return for lessening the pressure on the Palestinians," he said.

Analysts point out that it appeared that, as of now, the role of the military was to help enhance the diplomatic pressure on Hamas. Consequently, it was likely that the Israeli military profile in Gaza might be gradually enhanced, till a breakthrough was achieved.

Faced with the looming military threat, Palestinian fighters in Gaza were seen taking up defensive positions and preparing to retard a possible Israeli advance. Bulldozers blocked entrances to some of the streets, while mounds of earth, concealing booby traps, were piled up to slow down the movement of troops.

The Israeli incursion has forced Palestinians residing in the path of the advancing troops to flee from their homes. Many have moved as refugees into the main town of Rafah. Sonic booms generated by low-flying aircraft kept residents awake in the night.

Hamas' condemnation

The crisis surrounding Mr. Shilat's seizure began on Sunday after Palestinian militants attacked and destroyed an Israeli tank. Two Israeli soldiers and two of the assailants were killed in the incident.

Three Palestinian groups, which have claimed responsibly for the action, are demanding the release the Palestinian women and children for Mr. Shalit's return.

Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad condemned the incursion and said the crisis could have been defused through "contacts with Arab and international parties".

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the Israeli action meant that the Palestinians had become victims of "collective punishment."

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