Israeli tanks and bulldozers destroyed at least three buildings in the Gaza Strip overnight, in an act the Palestinians denounced Sunday as "terrorism," reported AFP.
According to Reuters, one of the buildings had been used by Palestinians for attacking an Israeli army post.
"The Palestinian side must understand well that firing from one position or another on settlements, or Israel Defense Forces, will turn it into a target for an attack or destruction," an army statement said, according to Reuters.
General Abdel Razeq al-Majeidah, head of general security in the Gaza strip, said the "occupation forces" had sent in dozens of tanks and bulldozers which destroyed a joint Israeli-Palestinian police building, a house and a factory building near the flashpoint of Maryrs Junction, known to Israelis as Netzarim,
"This is a terrorist activity and a violation of all international laws and agreements and is proof that Israel wants to escalate the situation," he said in a statement.
In the West Bank City of Hebron, Israeli attack helicopters went into action in the city, firing at a hill where Palestinian snipers had been shooting at enclaves of Jews who live in the heart of the city surrounded by Palestinians, witnesses told Reuters.
In Jerusalem, a police spokesman said the army deployed two tanks on the outskirts of the city opposite a Palestinian village, said Reuters.
An Israeli brigade commander, Colonel Gal Hirsch, called on Israel Radio for Palestinians living near the Jewish West Bank settlement of Psagot, which came under heavy gunfire, to leave their homes to clear the way for an Israeli response.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak gave Palestinian President Yasser Arafat until Monday night to stop the violence.
He was quoted as saying that if violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is not halted, then this would signal an end to peace negotiations between the two sides - Albawaba.com
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