Israel sent tanks and troops into three Gaza Strip towns on Wednesday, killing three policemen, after threatening to carve "security zones" in Palestinian areas to put Israeli cities out of range of a new missile. The Israeli army said the night-time "anti-terror" raids on Palestinian-ruled Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya further to the north came in response to the firing of Qassam missiles towards Israeli settlements.

In a statement issued some five hours after the incursion began, the army said Israeli tanks, infantry and special forces had pulled out of Deir al-Balah and Beit Lahiya but were still carrying out searches for militants and arms in Beit Hanoun.
Palestinian security officials said three policemen were killed in Deir al-Balah when an Israeli bulldozer destroyed their position.
Before the raids, the United States said Israeli attacks in heavily populated areas were counter-productive, a rare rap on the knuckles from Washington that signalled impatience with the 16-month-old conflict. Bureau Report