Special Report: Israel launches Gaza assault

    GAZA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A 24-hour deadline set by Palestinian militants for Israel to free hundreds of prisoners in exchange for a captured soldier expired on Tuesday with rejection from Israel.

    On Monday, three Palestinian militant groups set 6:00 a.m. (0300 GMT) Tuesday as the deadline for Israel to free Palestinian women and minors as well as 1,000 Palestinian, Arab and Muslim prisoners held in Israeli jails for information on the soldier captured in a raid on an Israeli outpost on June 25.

    The militants said Israel should bear all consequences if their demands are not met.

    Israel promptly rejected the ultimatum, saying it will not hold any negotiation for the release of the soldier.

    At predawn Tuesday, Israel continued its air strike operation, sending Apache attack helicopters to fire one air-to-ground rocket at a target at the Islamic University of Gaza. Enditem

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