Kidnapped Israeli soldier still alive - TV

An Israeli soldier who was kidnapped by Palestinian militants on Sunday is still alive, Israeli public television reported on Friday.

The 19-year-old soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, was visited by a Palestinian doctor at a certain place in the Gaza Strip, said the report, adding that the doctor treated Shalit's wounds.

No further details were revealed.

Shalit was snatched by Palestinian militants during a cross- border raid on an Israeli military post near the Gaza border on early Sunday.

Israeli troops crossed the border and intruded into the southern Gaza Strip on early Wednesday in a bid to rescue Shalit.

It is the first Israeli massive ground offensive into the Gaza Strip since Israel withdrew forces and settlers from it last summer after 38 years of occupation.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has vowed "extreme actions" to bring Shalit home.

Source: Xinhua