80 Terror Suspects Detained

Israeli forces have captured up to 80 terror suspects after incursions into Gaza. Recently Israel has stepped up attacks against Hamas in an attempt to stem the rocket attakcs against Israel. Since the beginning of the year, there have been approximately 700 rocket attacks launched against Israel.

The Israeli military says it has taken about 80 Palestinians to Israel for questioning following a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
Four Palestinians, including at least three militants, were killed in the incursion on Sunday morning. An Israeli soldier was seriously wounded.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the army had a "free hand" to target militants in Gaza.

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Incursion

Backed by aircraft, Israeli ground forces entered Gaza early on Sunday on a mission that the military said was targeted at the Gaza "terror infrastructure".
Palestinian health officials said more than 20 people, including civilians, were injured in subsequent clashes before the Israeli forces withdrew in the afternoon.

The latest operation comes as Prime Minister Olmert faces mounting domestic pressure over rocket attacks.

Israeli officials say more than 700 rockets and shells have been launched from Gaza since the beginning of 2008, and last week an eight-year-old Israeli boy lost most of his leg in an attack.

In a speech to Jewish American leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday, Mr Olmert said Israel had "a free hand to respond" and attack anyone who has "any kind of responsibility".

"That applies to everyone, first and foremost Hamas," Mr Olmert added.