Israeli missile hits bridge in Gaza

GAZA - An Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a bridge in the central Gaza Strip today as troops prepared for a threatened offensive into the territory, Palestinian witnesses said.

Israel has been planning a major push into the territory following the capture of an Israeli soldier by militants from Gaza on Monday.

The bridge lies on one of the main roads linking the north and south of the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian security sources said Israeli tanks were moving near the northern end of the Gaza Strip, but the army said they had not yet crossed the border.

Israel pulled troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip last year after 38 years of occupation.

- REUTERS