By Xinhua
Gaza : A militant from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) was killed and four were wounded during an Israeli army ground operation into southeastern Gaza Strip Thursday, medics and eyewitnesses said.
Medics at the European Hospital said Sharif Breis, 33, was killed when an Israeli army missile was fired at a group of militants east of the town of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip.
Witnesses said that several Israeli army tanks, armoured vehicles and bulldozers rolled into al-Fakhari neighbourhood east of the town and stormed several houses.
They said that militants and Israeli soldiers traded fire, adding that Israeli soldiers fired missiles at militants.
Meanwhile, another Palestinian militant was critically wounded in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun when an Israeli army force stormed into the town early Thursday.
Residents in the town said that several Palestinian homes were stormed, adding that at least five Palestinians were detained in the operation.
Palestinian security sources in Gaza said that an Israeli army force that rolled into eastern Gaza Strip Wednesday had pulled back following a ground operation. At least 20 Palestinians were detained.
The intensive Israeli army ground operations came after Palestinian militants launched homemade rockets and mortar shells from northern, eastern and southern Gaza Strip at Israel.