Israeli Helicopter and Tank Attack on Central Gaza City and Nablus - 2002-11-13

Israeli attack helicopters and tanks launched missiles at central Gaza City early today, creating a thick column of smoke in the Palestinian city. Ambulances quickly rushed to the scene. Israel claims the missiles targeted a suspected weapons manufacturing facility. An Israeli army spokesperson stated that the attack was in retaliation for mortar and rocket fire from Gaza towards nearby Jewish settlements. No reports of casualties or injuries have yet emerged. The Associated Press reported that Israeli missiles landed in residential areas, abandoned workshops, and open markets. A group of Israeli tanks and armored vehicles attacked the city of Nablus in the West Bank before dawn today. The attack on Nablus occurred about 24 hours after Israeli forces entered the city of Tulkarm in the West Bank and arrested three Palestinian suspects. Israel had previously threatened a harsh response to Sunday’s attack on a collective farm in the north of the country. During that attack, five Israelis were shot dead. The Palestinian militant group Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for that attack.