Palestinians steadfast against “Israeli” invasion to the Gaza Strip

Source: Al Manar, 28-6-2006
Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip of southern Palestine awoke on Wednesday to the aftermath of "Israel's" occupation first aggressive large scale military incursion into the territory since it retreated out last summer.
"Israel" air force planes destroyed three key bridges and a power plant, plunging large areas of the coastal strip into darkness.
The "Israeli" Forces released aerial video footage purportedly showing the strikes.
The moves stepped up the pressure on Palestinian Resistance and people holding captive a 19-year-old "Israeli" soldier.
"Israeli" occupation Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says "Israel" has no intention of reoccupying Gaza, but added that they wouldn`t balk at "extreme action" to bring their soldier home.
"Israeli" tanks and soldiers began taking up positions in two locations east of the Gaza town of Rafah under the cover of tank shells, according to witnesses and Palestinian security officials.
Palestinians braced themselves for a major "Israeli" offensive.
The "Israeli" forces were about one and a half kilometers (one mile) away from the town.
A brigade-strength contingent of "Israel" armour and infantry took up position around an abandoned airport, after crossing into southern Gaza.
The operation, dubbed `Summer Rains`, was launched 60 hours after a Palestinian attack on an "Israeli" outpost and the snatch of Corporal Gilad Shalit.
The "Israeli" government had threatened the Palestinian leadership with painful consequences if the soldier was not returned immediately.
"Israel" said only freedom for the captive soldier could defuse the crisis.
Wednesday`s incursion was intended to put pressure on the Palestinians by severely disrupting life in the Gaza Strip, re-occupying some areas and possibly cutting the area into two, officials said.