IDF helicopters, tanks move into Gaza for searches

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
IDF soldiers, backed by helicopter gunships, tanks and armored personnel carriers, moved into Palestinian-controlled areas near the main Israel-Gaza cargo crossing on Tuesday, conducting house-to-house searches and arrests. Five Palestinians were wounded moderately, including three Hamas men, medical officials said. Three Palestinians were arrested, security officials said. The military confirmed an operation near the Karni crossing, but wouldn't divulge its objectives. In the past, Israeli troops have searched for tunnels being dug near the crossing. Separately, in southern Gaza, the IDF moved into farmlands near the town of Khan Younis, firing machine guns into the fields after calling on farmers to evacuate the area, Palestinian security officials said. Cameramen filming the operation said they came under fire, but were not wounded. The army had no immediate comment.