May 18 - The following are security developments in and around Gaza as of 0810 GMT on Friday:
GAZA - Israeli helicopter gunships fired on Hamas militants who launched Qassam missiles into Israel. Several were wounded and at least one was killed, hospital officials said.
GAZA - An earlier air strike overnight hit a building in Gaza used by Hamas. Israeli army suspected the building was used as a meeting place to plan attacks against Israel. The Army also suspected that the building was used to house a tunnel used to smuggle contraband and weapons into Israel. Four Hamas militants were killed, hospital officials said.
GAZA - Factional clashes continue between Hamas and Fatah forces as three rocket propelled grenades were launched by Fatah into the campus of the Islamic University, a Hamas stronghold and symbol of power. Palestinians fear that this could trigger an escalation in internal violence, squeezing Hamas forces between Fatah attacks on one side and Israeli strikes on the other. No injuries were reported.
SDEROT, Israel - Eight Qassam missiles landed in Israeli territory, in the city of Sderot and surrounding area. One missile hit a petrol station, another landed inside a home. Three civilians were lightly injured, Israeli medics said.
GAZA - Israeli army says it continues to operate with small ground forces in the vicinity of the border fence, continuing with "defensive activities."