Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault

   

Fadel Shana, a Reuters cameraman, is carried to hospital after an Israeli air strike hit a Reuters vehicle in Gaza late August 26, 2006.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

GAZA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Five people in Gaza city were wounded at predawn on Sunday when an Israeli aircraft fired two missiles which hit two cars, including a Reuters' jeep, witnesses and medics reported.

    The five wounded included a Reuters' TV cameraman and another cameraman who works for Dubai Television as well as three Palestinian civilians hit by the missiles shrapnel.

    The incident took place after several Israeli army tanks and armored vehicles backed by Israeli helicopters and reconnaissance drones rolled into eastern Gaza City, said Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

    The eyewitnesses said that two cameramen, one works for Reuters and the other works for Dubai Television were wounded as their Reuters' jeep was heading to the area to cover the Israeli army incursion into eastern Gaza City.

    An Israeli helicopter fired two missiles at a group of people who were gathering in Sheja'eya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City as Reuters' car was driving closed to the people, said the eyewitnesses.

    They added that the missiles shrapnel hit the Reuters car and wounded the two cameramen, Faddel Shana'a, works for Reuters and Sabah Hemeida, works for Dubai Television.

    Palestinian medics in Shiffa Hospital in Gaza City reported that the two men are in moderate conditions.

    But earlier reports said the cameraman working for Reuters was slightly wounded while the other journalist was seriously wounded. Meanwhile, another three Palestinian civilians were also moderately injured by the missiles shrapnel.

    There was no immediate comment by the Israeli army on targeting Reuters' jeep in the area, but it said it was checking the report. Enditem