Israeli tanks rip up Gaza Strip orchards

GAZA CITY: Three Israeli tanks and a bulldozer moved into Palestinian-controlled territory in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday and began demolishing a Palestinian security post and olive and orange trees, witnesses said.

The area in Deir el-Balah, south of Gaza City, has been the site of several mortar attacks on Israeli troops in recent days.

Some heavy machine gun fire was heard as the tanks and the bulldozer moved about 700 meters (yards) into the orchard area near the Jewish settlement of Kisufim and began demolishing the trees and the guard post, witnesses said.

The Israeli military would not comment immediately on the report.