Israeli forces kill Gaza militant ( 2003-09-18 10:47) (Agencies) Israeli forces invaded a
refugee camp in central Gaza early Thursday and killed a local leader of the
Islamic Jihad group, Palestinians and Israeli military sources said.
Palestinians said soldiers surrounded the house of Jihad Abu Shwairah, 34,
and exchanged fire with gunmen. Then a helicopter fired two missiles at the
house, killing the militant, they said.
Military sources said the purpose of the operation was to arrest militants.
Soldiers came under heavy fire and clashed with gunmen. Six soldiers were
wounded, and one Palestinian was killed, the Israeli sources said, speaking on
condition of anonymity.
Since a cease-fire broke down last month, Israel has been carrying out raids
in Gaza aimed at killing leaders of Hamas, the larger of the two violent Islamic
groups. Arrest raids are also common.
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