Israeli forces encroach into Gaza Strip

Israel has launched a ground incursion into the Gaza Strip with its troops entering the south of the long-blockaded coastal sliver.

Israeli forces advanced hundreds of meters into the east of the southern city of Khan Younis, a Press TV correspondent in Gaza reported on Wednesday.

They also opened fire on a group of Gazans who were collecting gravel nearby. One of the Gazans sustained injuries in the attack and was taken to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The incident came hard on the heels of flights Israeli fighter jets conducted over Gaza last night.

Israel has continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than 3 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the coastal enclave.

Some 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education. Poverty and unemployment rates stand at approximately 80% and 60% respectively in the Gaza Strip.