GAZA, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli tanks, armored vehicles and personnel carriers thrust early Wednesday into the eastern area of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir el-Ballah, Palestinian security sources said.

    Local residents said that a heavy armed clash erupted in the area during the ground incursion, adding that one Palestinian national security officer was shot dead by Israeli gunfire.

    Medical sources at central Gaza Strip hospital said that Zeyad Abu Maghaseeb, 27, was shot dead and another injured.

    Security sources said that an elite Israeli undercover unit, backed by reconnaissance drones and helicopters, first entered the area, adding that the unit seized several Palestinians, while witnesses said that Israeli soldiers seized a jeep that belongs to Palestinian national security forces.

    Right after the unit infiltrated into the area, Israeli tanks, armored vehicles and personnel carriers rolled into the area, witnesses said.

    It was the first time that Israeli forces thrust into the area since Israel withdrew from the entire Gaza Strip last September.

    Israeli tanks and armored vehicles infiltrated into the area through two directions -- al-Garara village and Kissofim crossing.

    Witnesses said that dozens of Palestinian militants rushed to the area, and a fierce clash occurred east of Deir el-Ballah town.

    An Israeli army spokesman told Israel Radio that the army expanded its military operation into the Gaza Strip, without giving more details. Enditem