The mainstream Fatah movementcondemned on Thursday escalated Israeli military operations in theGaza Strip.

Fatah said in a leaflet the escalated military operations in thenorthern town of Beit Hanoon and the southern town of Khan Yunisare causing death and destruction.

It held the Israeli government "totally responsible for theescalation in the Palestinian territories," warning that theresults of the escalation would be negative.

"The escalation against our people can never be justified as ourpeople are preparing for the elections to elect their newleadership and rearrange their internal affairs," said the leaflet.

Israeli tanks and bulldozers stormed Thursday afternoon thenorthern area of the Gaza Strip amid intensive gunfire and tankshells, witnesses and security sources said.

Israeli forces came from the settlements of Dogit and Nisaanetnorth of the town of Beit Lahya.

Palestinian medics at Kamal Odwan Hospital in northern GazaStrip said several Palestinians were injured.

In Rafah, two Palestinians were seriously injured, as Israelisoldiers stationed at the settlement of Rafeyah Yam and on theborderline between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt opened fire athouses of local residents.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has given the Israeli armythe green light to carry out large-scale operations in thePalestinian territories to end attacks against Israel.

Source: Xinhua