Thirteen Palestinians were killed and 25 wounded on Wednesday during the 19th day Israeli air and ground offensive on Gaza Strip, medics and witnesses said.

Gaza emergency chief Mo'aweya Hassanein told reporters that 13 people were killed and 25 wounded on Wednesday during Israeli air and ground strikes on several areas in Gaza Strip.


Smoke rises following explosions from an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, Jan. 13, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

He added that five civilians, members of Ashour family were killed after Israeli army tanks struck their home in al-Shayma'a neighborhood near northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia.

Witnesses said that five tank shells hit the house, while dozens more of tank shells were fired at eastern Jabalia town in northern Gaza Strip and on eastern Gaza City neighborhood of Sheja'eya.

Witnesses and medics also said that three Palestinians were killed in Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City after an Israeli warplane struck a house in the area. Two more women were killed in Jabalia town in northern Gaza Strip.


A Palestinian who was injured in an Israeli army strike is rushed to Shifa hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)

Meanwhile, al-Qassam Brigades, armed wing of Islamic Hamas movement announced that one of its militants was killed in exchange of fire with Israeli soldiers in al-Atatrah neighborhood, north of Beit Lahia.

Saraya al-Quds, armed wing of Islamic Jihad movement also announced that two of its militants were killed near the former evacuated settlement of Nitzarim south of Gaza City.


A Palestinian child who was injured in an Israeli army strike is rushed to Kmal Idwan hospital in Jabaliya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)

Hassanein said that 990 Palestinians were killed and 4,500 wounded since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza Strip on December 27.

Source: Xinhua