Latest Israeli offensive into Gaza kills 4

Source: PressTV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=121731§ionid=351020202


The number of Palestinians killed in the latest Israeli offensive into Gaza strip has reached to four.

Violence erupted again after Israeli forces supported by tanks invaded the southern town of Khan Younis on Friday.

Earlier reports said the incursion resulted in the death of two Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers.

Two Israeli soldiers, including a high-ranking officer, were killed by Gazan resistance fighters during the incursion.

Hamas' military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, has claimed responsibility for the Israeli fatalities.

"We take the responsibility for the killing of the Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. What happened shows that the al-Qassam Brigades are fully prepared to confront an Israeli aggression," Press TV correspondent in Gaza quoted Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaidah as saying on Saturday.

"We also want to dedicate this operation to the soul of our late commander Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh who was assassinated by Israel's Mossad agents in Dubai," he added.

The violence added to the strain on Israel, which is already under pressure from the international community over the expansion of its settlements in occupied Palestinian land.

European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said she was "extremely concerned" by the latest violence and called on both sides to exercise restraint.

"Such actions undermine current efforts to facilitate a resumption of the peace process," AFP quoted Ashton as saying in Brussels.