Israeli forces end Gaza incursion

Israel says raids aim to stem attacks by militants

The Israeli army has ended a two-day operation in the Gaza Strip, which left at least 17 Palestinians dead.

The army operation in the Khan Younis refugee camp also wounded more than 80 Palestinians and left behind a swathe of destruction.

Israeli troops demolished houses and ripped up roads and water pipes.

Correspondents say the army stepped up incursions to try to crush Palestinian resistance before any withdrawal of Jewish settlers.

The immediate reason for the raid on the Khan Younis camp was said to have been to stem mortar attacks by Palestinian militants on nearby Jewish settlements.

GAZA STATISTICS Palestinian pop: 1.3m Area: 360 sq km In poverty: 75% Unemployed: 37% Under 15: 49% Pop growth: >4% per year Malnutrition: 13.3% Israeli settlers: About 8,000 Sources: World Bank 2003 & 2004; Israel CBS, CIA World Factbook Gaza profile In pictures: Gaza divisions

But on Tuesday the Associated Press news agency reported another rocket attack on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing on the border with Gaza.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, but there were no casualties.

Palestinian hospital officials said a 28-year-old Palestinian died of wounds after being shot by Israeli troops near the Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza.