- Title: GAZA: Israel launches fresh attacks on Gaza.
- Date: 28th September 2005
- Summary: WIDE OF BULLSDOZER REPAIRING THE ROAD / POLICE MOTORBIKE AT SCENE
- Embargoed: 13th October 2005 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVAUXCTXSPFTQA1XUS1MZ785XU9
- Story Text: Israel widened an offensive against Palestinian militants on Wednesday (September 28), launching several predawn air raids that knocked out electricity in Gaza City and sweeping into two West Bank cities, witnesses said.
The escalating violence has battered hopes that Israel's troop pullout from Gaza two weeks ago, billed as "disengagement" from conflict, would boost chances for peace.
Israeli aircraft fired missiles at four militant targets in and around Gaza City, destroying the offices of a leading Fatah militant, and two other militant groups, an Israeli military source and Palestinian witnesses said.
The raids plunged much of Gaza City into darkness cutting electricity to many of its 350,000 residents for two hours. Rescue workers sifted through the rubble in Gaza and El Bureij refugee camp. There were no reported casualties.
The fifth missile fired later destroyed a bridge in northern Gaza's Beit Hanoun. An Israeli military source said a leading traffic artery for militants had been wrecked. A large crater was left in the road where an Israeli missile fell.
The escalating violence has battered hopes that Israel's troop pullout from Gaza two weeks ago, billed as "disengagement" from conflict, will end up boosting chances for peace. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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