GAZA, Aug. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli troops, backed by armored vehicles and tanks, stormed at predawn Meghraqa town in southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Saturday.

    Nabil Abu Kmeil, mayor of the town, told reporters that Israeli troops, backed by at least two dozens of armored vehicles, stormed the northern area of the town.

    He said the troops erected barricades and then stormed houses.

    Meanwhile, Israeli troops at predawn fired at houses in the west area of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis, Palestinian witnesses said.

    The witnesses said Israeli soldiers stationed at their outposts around the settlement of Neveh Dekalim opened fire at the houses, causing severe damage to the houses but no injury. Enditem