Israeli troops and tanks backed by attack helicopter pushed into Palestinian resistance strongholds in and around Gaza City Tuesday, exchanging fire with resistance men in the latest surge of Middle East violence. In Shajaiyeh, a district east of Gaza City identified with the resistance group Islamic Jihad; fighters in black balaclavas and camouflage fatigues fired rifles and homemade rockets at the Israeli occupation forces. Hamas, another Islamic group, said one of its men blew himself up alongside an armored column.

Five Palestinian policemen were wounded when an Israeli helicopter gunship fired missiles at a nearby position held by Palestinian security forces, Palestinian sources said. There were also clashes when Israeli armor rolled into Tufah neighborhood, about half a mile from Gaza's central square and known as a resistance stronghold. Witnesses said Israeli engineers dynamited a metal workshop.

Israeli Palestinian Talks Continue Despite Violence

Despite the continuing violence, Israeli officials have held several meetings with Palestinian counterparts this month to discuss a possible cease-fire that would lead to Israel's withdrawal from West Bank cities reoccupied in June after a spate of suicide attacks.

Mediators from the United States, Russia, European Union and United Nations met an Israeli and Palestinian delegation in London Tuesday to discuss a "roadmap" to end the violence.

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinian medical workers wheel in Amer el Dayah to a treatment room at Shifa hospital in Gaza city, Wednesday Feb. 19, 2003. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) - Feb 18 8: