Israeli strike hits 'rocket crew'

Five Army of Islam members died in an attack on a vehicle

An Israeli air strike has killed two Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll in the territory to 11 since Wednesday.

The Israeli military said it had targeted a rocket-launching cell in Beit Hanoun about to fire into Israel.

Israel has been hit by 11 rockets in 24 hours, but no casualties are reported.

Nine other Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in two other incidents. It is the bloodiest period since Israel declared Gaza "hostile territory".

It also follows warnings by Israeli defence chiefs of a large-scale military offensive.

'Extensive operation'

Two militants from the Hamas movement, which controls Gaza, were killed in Thursday's air strike. Hospital reports said five people were wounded.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak had warned of an "extensive operation" aimed at curbing the incessant Palestinian rocket fire.

"This operation will not be simple, both because of the forces that will have to be involved and the time limit that will be imposed on them," he told army radio.

Israel launched a five-month operation inside Gaza last year - after the capture of Israeli soldier Cpl Gilad Shalit; hundreds of Palestinians were killed but rocket fire has continued.

Correspondents say last week's declaration by Israel of Gaza as "hostile territory" sets the stage for cutting electricity to the impoverished coastal territory which has 1.4 million inhabitants.

Tank fire

Wednesday's attacks included a strike on a vehicle in the east of Gaza City, that killed at least five members of the Army of Islam.

The Israeli military said the passengers had been preparing to launch rockets across the border into southern Israel.

The Army of Islam was responsible for holding BBC correspondent Alan Johnston hostage for 16 weeks this year and claims to have taken part in the capture of Cpl Shalit.

Four people were also killed by tank fire near Beit Hanoun after Israeli forces launch a ground incursion in the north-east Gaza Strip.

It is not clear if the dead were civilians or armed militants. The Israeli military said it had fired on a group of people carrying anti-tank weapons who were about to launch an attack.

More than 20 Palestinians have also been wounded by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours.