IDF tanks roll into southern Gaza

From Ynet News, 27/6/06 (also See Gaza kidnapping - Special coverage)...

Israeli forces enter Strip after mediators say hope of recovering kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit through diplomatic means running out; earlier Air Force planes fire missiles at two bridges in central Gaza Strip

Operation "Summer Rains" begins: At around 2:30 a.m. Israeli tanks and troops rolled into the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the army said, after mediators said hope of recovering kidnapped soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit through talks was running out.

The incursion came shortly after Palestinian security forces deployed near the Gazan border town of Rafah said they were ordered out by the Israeli military.

Israeli Air Force planes targeted missiles at two bridges in the central Gaza Strip shortly before midnight Tuesday. After completing the deployment of forces to the area, the army entered “battle regulations” – or the state of preparation to launch an offensive.

At around 1:30 a.m. five missiles were fired at an electricity plant in south Gaza; blackouts were reported in some Gaza areas.

Pursuant to a situational analysis among senior members of the defense establishment with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this evening, it was concluded that time is running out and it is necessary to act forcefully to achieve the release of Shalit. Defense Minister Amir Peretz said, during a speech in Latrun, "The clock is ticking regarding the soldier's return. The IDF is prepared and willing to act."

According to the IDF, the aim of blowing up the bridges was to minimize the chances that Shalit, whom the expected incursion aims to rescue, would be moved from place to place by his abductors. The bridges lie on one of the main roads linking the north and south of the Gaza Strip.

Peretz emphasized that Israel will exhaust all options in order to rescue Shalit. In a ceremony honoring the fifty-year anniversary of the Sinai Campaign, he added that "the current situation cannot continue. The Palestinian leadership is responsible for the life of the kidnapped soldier and we are willing to exact the price from anyone who is holding him captive......

Reuters, Ronny Sofer, Hanan Greenberg, Ali Waked and Aviram Zino contributed to the report.