Palestinians say Israelis staged incursions

GAZA CITY (CNN) -- A day after international calls to ease Israeli-Palestinian tensions, Israeli troops staged five incursions into Palestinian-controlled territory, Palestinian security sources said Tuesday.

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The Israel Defense Forces said it had conducted only one "pinpoint" incursion near Karni crossing to clear undergrowth where bombs could be hidden.

Palestinian officials said no clashes occurred, but complained that Israel was violating agreements signed in 1993.

In the two significant incursions, Palestinian security sources said, Israeli troops went into Palestinian areas in Gaza near the Karni Industrial Zone and into an area near Rafah near the Egyptian border.

At Karni, three tanks went about 80 meters into a Palestinian area and cleared a parking space for tanks. Palestinian sources said the Israeli troops were still there.

At Rafah, tanks went about 300 meters into Palestinian territory and parked, Palestinians said.

In addition, the sources said Israeli armored personnel carriers and tanks entered an area north of Khan Yunis, stayed for a time, then left and also went about 400 meters into an area east of Der Al-Balah, remained for a time and then withdrew.

In the fifth area, Israeli forces went about 100 meters into Palestinian territory and pushed over a citrus grove, the security sources said.

The reports of incursions follow the release of the Mitchell Committee report calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East and confidence-building measures designed to bring Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table. (More on the report)