At least 8 Palestinians killed in northern Gaza Strip

In a fierce battle in northern Gaza Strip, at least 8 Palestinians were killed and one Israeli soldier was seriously injured. The battle in Beit Hanoun is considered the deadliest clash since Israeli forces attacked the area earlier last week. Israeli officials described the aim of the attack as stopping Palestinian militants from firing rockets into Israel. According to Palestinians, the deceased were members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and Hamas. Meanwhile, 4 Israeli soldiers were injured in an explosion that occurred in their vehicle near a Jewish settlement in southern Gaza. The Islamic Jihad militant group claimed that the bomb was planted by the roadside. In Khan Younis, Palestinians reported that at least 4 people were injured by Israeli soldiers' gunfire, while Israeli bulldozers destroyed several homes and uprooted dozens of olive and orange trees. In another incident in the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian who failed to stop his vehicle. Palestinians claim that Israeli soldiers opened fire on individuals throwing stones. In a political development, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon invited the opposition Labor Party to join the government coalition. The inclusion of the Labor Party would enable Mr. Sharon to secure a majority in the Israeli parliament.