NEWS: Large Explosions in Gaza; 6 Israelis & 7 Palestinians killed in Fightings

Two large explosions are being reported in the Gaza Strip. Witnesses report seeing huge fireballs. Israeli troops are currently active in the Gaza Strip, however the cause and target of these explosions have not been confirmed yet.
Earlier today, seven Palestinians were killed in a missile strike as part of retaliation for the six Israeli soldiers killed earlier in the day. The fighting has been especially heavy today in the Gaza Strip with Israeli gunships and tanks patrolling the area.

Two Loud Explosions Heard in Gaza, Residents Report Seeing Balls of Fire
Six Israeli Soldiers, Seven Palestinians Killed in Gaza Fighting
The armored personnel carrier blew up around 6:30 a.m., as it was on its way out of Gaza City. The vehicle was packed with about 220 pounds of exploves, for use in blowing up weapons workshops. Combined with a roadside bomb detonated by militants, the explosives produced a powerful blast.

An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the blast scattered body parts across a radius of about 300 yards in a densely populated area, and that troops were heaving difficulty retrieving the remains under heavy fire.

At one point during the search, an Israeli helicopter fired a missile to keep away Palestinians, and doctors said eight people were wounded. Soldiers blasted open gates of houses and went up to roofs in search of remains.

Hamas gunmen displayed pieces of metal and bits of flesh they said they collected after the blast. Two masked men on a motorcycle held up a bloodied burlap sack with remains. The damaged vehicle, with one of its tracks blown off, was driven away.

In all, seven Palestinians were killed - six in exchanges of fire and one in an Israeli missile strike on a car. At least three of the dead were gunmen. Hospital officials said 110 Palestinians were wounded, 14 of them critically, including an 11-year-old boy on life support with a head wound. Six Palestinians were hurt in the air strike. It remained unclear why the car, parked outside a bodyshop, was targeted.


[Edited on 5-11-2004 by worldwatcher]