Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault

    GAZA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tens of Israeli tanks and bulldozers trundled in several parts of northern Gaza Strip on Sunday afternoon, Palestinian security sources and residents said.

    The sources said the troops pushed deep in the border town to Biet Hannoun in northeast Gaza Strip. Another similar incursion took place also in northwest town of Biet Laheya.

    The tanks moved amid machine gunfire from air cover, but there were no reports on casualties among the Palestinians who live in makeshift houses near the border.

    The residents reported that tanks took up positions on hills inthe area while bulldozers began working on the ground.

    The security sources said the troops seemed to be searching for tunnels. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said on Sunday Israel has to find means to stop Palestinian rocket attacks into Israel from northern Gaza. Enditem