SAT JAN 03 2009 — Israel launched a tank and armored infantry invasion of the Gaza Strip Saturday night reaching Beit Hanoun. Flares illuminated the night operations and gunfire was exchanged with Hamas casualties reported. Israel reports that 30 soldiers were injured in the ground assault.
Hamas rockets continue to hit Israel, hitting buildings in Netivot, Sderot and Ashdod and landing between Kiryat Malachi and Kiryat Gat.
Palestinians reported 450 dead and 2,500 injured in eight days of the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Four Israeli’s are also reported killed in the conflict.