Israeli Troops Kill 3 in Gaza Raid
Israeli troops and armor pushed into the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip early today, killing three Palestinians -- a gunman and two civilians -- during fierce battles, witnesses and medics said.
At least eight Palestinians were wounded, they said.
An Israeli military source said troops were on a mission to detain a wanted Palestinian and returned fire toward gunmen who attacked them from several locations.
Palestinian witnesses described the incursion as the biggest Israeli operation in Rafah in the last two months. They said infantry and 20 armored vehicles, including tanks, took part in the early morning raid as helicopters flew overhead.
Israeli forces regularly conduct searches in the Rafah area for militants and tunnels used for smuggling weapons from Egypt.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
