GAZA, Dec. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli army opened intensive fire Wednesday morning at the Namsawi neighborhood west of the southern Gaza city of khan Younis, Palestinian security sources reported.

    The sources said Israeli tanks stationed around the settlement of Neveh Dekalim in the west of the neighborhood fired several tank shells at some residential houses, causing severe damage.

    Meanwhile, sources reported that Israeli troops asked for army reinforcement around the settlement and in the town of Al Qarara north of the city and in the checkpoint of Tofah west of Khan Younis. Enditem