8 Hamas forces die in Gaza

Source: Alalam.ir, 5-7-2007
GAZA CITY-Zionist soldiers invaded Gaza on Thursday killing eight Hamas forces in fierce battle.
The battle drew in "Israeli" aircraft, tanks and bulldozers, and sent Hamas forces laying mines against the troops.
The Zionist army said the shootout began after airmen backing troops on a routine patrol about 1 kilometer (half a mile) inside the Gaza Strip identified Hamas forces approaching the soldiers, and opened fire from the air.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said its forces launched the clash by opening fire at an "Israeli" undercover unit.
Witnesses reported a heavy exchange of fire as "Israeli" tanks and bulldozers moved in.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces hit back with small arms fire, laid mines against the soldiers and shot mortars at the Erez passenger crossing between Isreal and Gaza.
Two of the mortars landed on the "Israeli" side of the passage, the Zionist army said, adding that no one was injured, but the mortars set off a fire in a road at the crossing.
Witnesses said six Hamas forces were killed, including Hamas` central Gaza field commander.
"Israeli" aircraft later dropped missiles at Gaza, the "Israeli" army said, killing two Hamas forces.