Special report: New clash between Israeli, Lebanese troops

Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault

    Rockets launched from Lebanon hit northern Israel

    JERUSALEM, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Two rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Wednesday morning, the Israeli army said.

    An army spokesman told Xinhua that the northern Israeli community of Shlomi was hit by the rockets, blaming the Lebanese Hizbollah militia for the attack.

    The casualty was not immediately known, the spokesman added.

    Shortly after the rocket firing, the Israeli army pounded southern Lebanon, stronghold of Hizbollah.

    Israeli troops also exchanged fire with Lebanese militants over the Israel-Lebanon border, Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported.

    Residents living in northern Israel have entered bomb shelters as gun battles broke out in north, the report said.

    Israeli army pounds southern Lebanon

    BEIRUT, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli army bombarded targets in southern Lebanon shortly after rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Wednesday, Lebanese Hizbollah militia's television channel al-Manar reported.

    At least two rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Wednesday morning, wounding several Israeli civilians.

    The Israeli army blamed Hizbollah for the attack.

    Following the rocket firing, Hizbollah militants and Israeli forces also exchanged fire over the Israel-Lebanon border.

    Witnesses in southern Lebanon said that the gunbattle and shellings, lasting for one hour, were still continuing. Enditem