9 killed in Israeli Gaza Strip operation

GAZA, March 3 (UPI) -- Israeli forces, continuing an overall operation they say is to stop attacks on Israeli interests, Monday withdrew from the central Gaza Strip refugee camp of Al-Buriej after an operation in which nine Palestinians were killed and several structures destroyed, Palestinian security sources said

Four other Palestinians were killed in the southern Gaza Strip in a similar operation Sunday. In both cases, most of the killed were militants who fired on advancing Israeli troops.

However, at least one person -- a pregnant woman -- was killed when her house, adjacent to one being destroyed by the Israeli, collapsed. At least 40 people were injured, including more than 10 people in the house with the woman who was killed.

The Israelis destroyed five houses and another 10 were damaged, Palestinian security sources said.

The operation is a continuation of Israeli army regular operations in the Palestinian-controlled territories to destroy houses of militants who carried out attacks against Israel and arrested activists.

Palestinian Authority officials said most of the victims, especially those who are getting killed or injured are non-combatants.