GAZA, Aug. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Apache helicopters shelled residents' houses in northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun at predawn on Saturday, Palestinian security sources reported Saturday.

    The sources said the helicopters opened intensive fire on the residents' houses and their cultivated lands, causing severe destruction, but no injuries were reported.

    Palestinian eyewitnesses said the Israeli helicopters opened fire from time to time driving people panic especially children and women.

    Meanwhile, Israeli troops invaded Abu Safeya area in eastern Jabalia refugee camp in the north of Gaza, backed by several tanks and bulldozers, Palestinian security sources reported.

   They added the army had invaded the area and razed nearly 40 donoms (3.7572 hectares) of cultivated lands before its withdrawal from the area. Enditem