A nine-year-old Palestinian girl has been killed in an Israeli attack on Gaza, as Israel said it was preparing for military action should Egyptian-backed mediation efforts with the Hamas movement in the territory fail.
Hadel Alfnere was killed by a shell fired from an Israeli tank on Wednesday, according to Palestinian officials.
Two other members of her family were wounded when a tank round hit their home east of the town of Khan Yunis, a doctor said.
At least three other Palestinians, including a civilian, were also killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday.
New Military Incursion
David Chater, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Jerusalem, said that Israel is "preparing for a heavy military incursion into the Gaza Strip".
"So one hand is being held out towards peace, towards the idea of a truce, while the other one is a bunched up fist ready to hit Hamas and the Gaza Strip hard."
Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2005 but still maintains a harsh blockade on the territory. It has in the past restricted fuel deliveries to Gaza, resulting in widespread and protracted power cuts.
PHOTO CAPTION
Palestinians carry the body of Mohammed Asaliya during his funeral in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip June 11, 2008. Israeli forces killed four Palestinians, including a 9-year-old girl, in Gaza Strip on Wednesday. (REUTERS)
Al-Jazeera (summarized)