IDF forces operating in central, northern Strip

[Scurrilous]

Palestinian sources report IDF troops and tanks began operating Monday night in neighborhood of Zeitoun in heart of Gaza City. IDF confirms soldiers are operating in Strip. According to Palestinians, exchanges of fire are taking place in area. Simultaneously, forces enter Beit Lahiya area in northern Strip

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3330691,00.html

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"Israeli troops and tanks pushed deep into the Gaza Strip in two separate raids on Tuesday, clashing with Palestinian gunmen in Gaza City, local residents and witnesses said.

A column of about 30 tanks penetrated the heart of Gaza City and entered the Zeitoun district, a known militant stronghold, they said.

An eyewitness told Ynet that many forces were seen entering the northern Strip Monday night. The IDF Spokesperson's Office confirmed that soldiers were operating in the northern Gaza Strip and said that it was a "concrete operation," but refused to provide additional details.

Residents said there were no reports of any casualties in what appeared to be the most intensive Israeli ground force raid into Gaza City since Israel launched an offensive in June after militants captured an Israeli soldier in a cross-border raid.

A smaller force raided Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, an area more frequently targeted by Israeli forces in their attempts to stop militants from firing rockets into the Jewish state."