Israelis Advance Along Gaza Coast
GAZA CITY — Israeli army and naval forces pushed up the Gaza Strip coast early today in a move that may dampen prospects for a security deal with the Palestinians.
Witnesses said 11 tanks and armored personnel carriers swept into the coastal village of Sheik Iljeen, just south of Gaza City. Illuminated by flares, helicopters and boats fired at unknown targets in the surf. The village was pitched into darkness by a blackout.
The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the action, which comes a week after Israel agreed to turn over security responsibilities for the West Bank city of Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip to Palestinians. The Palestinians are to rein in militants in these areas as a test case for a wider truce.
Israel ended military operations in Bethlehem last week.
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