Israel reoccupies Palestinian portions of Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza -- Israel reoccupied sections of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip on Tuesday, cutting the area into three parts in a series of raids by land, air and sea.

Israeli officials said their troops would remain in sectors that they consider pose a threat until the violence ceases or the Palestinian Authority takes action to end violence against Israelis.

Israeli authorities said the action was in response to five mortar shells fired at the Negev Desert town of Sderot in southern Israel. Gaza's main road remains blocked off.

A statement sent to news organizations from the military wing of the Muslim group Hamas in turn said the attack was in retaliation for recent Israeli actions. The group vowed to launch more attacks.

VIDEO CNN's Mike Hanna shows what it was like in the streets of Gaza when the attack happened Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Jerrold Kessel reports on the timing of the raid Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Brent Sadler has more on the unrest in the Mideast Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)    AUDIO CNN's Jerrold Kessel: Danger of all-out confrontation 593K/55 sec. AIFF or WAV sound Arafat aide Ahmed Abdel Rahman: Aggression will not bring Israel any security. 477K/44 sec. AIFF or WAV sound    TRANSCRIPT Rula Amin: Israeli strikes on Syria    MESSAGE BOARD Share your thoughts on current events in Lebanon    ALSO Jordan official discusses peace with Israelis, Palestinians Israel-Syria strife hampers U.S. policy on Iraq

The mortar bombs landed deeper in Israel than any since the start of the latest Palestinian uprising for independence last September, falling just down the road from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's ranch.

The Israeli moves in Gaza also followed by a day an Israeli strike against a Syrian radar installation in Lebanon that killed three soldiers.

Troops to remain indefinitely

After the massive strikes -- Israeli's hardest punch at the Palestinians in seven months of violence -- Israeli Brig. Gen. Ron Kitrey said troops would remain in the recaptured areas of Gaza indefinitely.

"Once the mission is fulfilled and the shooting stops or the Palestinian Authority takes action to stop it, I believe we won't need to remain there," Kitrey told Israel army radio.

Palestinian Cabinet minister Hassan Asfour blasted the move.

"It's clear that Israel has expanded the sphere of war with the Palestinians," he said. "It has carried out a new and dangerous step by reoccupying Palestinian areas."

Israeli forces hit Palestinian police targets in central Gaza and the headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's's elite personal guard unit Force-17.

Palestinian hospital authorities said at least 35 people had been wounded in the attacks overnight.

In addition to the reoccupation, Israel has closed off Gaza. No one can enter or leave the area.

On the West Bank, Israeli troops shot dead 17-year-old Palestinian Bassam Zaharan, who Israelis said had stabbed an Israeli soldier.

In addition, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said a 12-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and killed near Karni Crossing and a 10-year-old boy was wounded when he walked in front of a tank at Rafah on the Egyptian border and was shot in the head.

More than 420 Palestinians have been killed in the seven months of violence, along with 71 Israeli Jews, 13 Israeli Arabs and a German.

Israel retaliates for Hezbollah attack
April 14, 2001

Lebanese Armed Forces
Lebanese Presidential Palace
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Israeli Prime Minister's Office
Knesset, Israeli Parliament
Israel Defense Forces
Permanent Mission of Israel to the U.N.

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