Israeli tanks push deep into Gaza

Israeli tanks severed the main north-south route through Gaza

Israeli tanks and bulldozers have moved deep into the southern Gaza Strip in the biggest incursion into the territory in months.

Three Palestinian militants were killed early in the fighting, local medical officials said.

Israeli military officials say two soldiers were wounded. Reports speak of 30 or more tanks being involved.

Gaza is run by the Hamas militant group which took over the territory in June after a violent struggle with Fatah.

The BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Ramallah says it is the largest military incursion of Gaza for months, coming exactly two weeks after the Annapolis meeting that heralded a new round of peace negotiations. BBC