Special report: Crisis between Israel and Palestine     

    GAZA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The military wing of Hamas has warned Israel on Wednesday against targeting any leader of the Islamic movement in Gaza Strip.

    "If Hamas leaders are harmed, al-Qassam Brigades will force the Zionists to pay the price from their blood, limps and safety," the militia said in a statement sent to the press.

    The threat came after reports that Israel was about to launch a large-scale offensive in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and kill four senior members of the movement, including Ismail Haneya, the former prime minister.

    "The brigades take the Israeli intimidation seriously and preparing to respond to them by force," Hamas' armed wing added.

    Fatah movement, led by moderate President Mahmoud Abbas, has lost the Gaza Strip for Hamas following months of fighting that surged last month.

    In the West Bank, Abbas has formed his own government after sacking the Hamas-led coalition, politically separating the Gaza Strip from the West Bank and leaving Hamas confined in the besieged coastal enclave.

    Israel, which closes Gaza crossing point, sent troops to enter the eastern part of central Gaza Strip this morning in the third such operation against al-Burij refuge camp since Hamas took over the area.

    The incursion this time was limited compared to the two previous offensives which left a number of Palestinian militants killed.

    Palestinian gunmen have exchanged fire with the Israeli forces that operates in central Gaza Strip, involving the launch of several rocket-propelled-grenades and missiles at the tanks and the bulldozers.

    Al-Qassam brigades also said they shelled a military base outside the Gaza Strip with 12 mortars.