Israeli forces have fired into the Gaza Strip, killing one Palestinian in what local residents said was the fiercest exchange between Israeli forces and militants since a November truce.
Residents said helicopters fired at least two missiles near the Jabalya refugee camp.
An Israeli army spokesman said the aircraft fired at 'suspicious movements' that were identified several times near the border fence.
The residents also said Israeli tanks had entered the area but the army denied this.
The escalation in Israeli military activity came after Defence Minister Amir Peretz authorised limited strikes just inside Gaza to try to prevent militants from planting explosives, digging tunnels and firing rockets at Israeli towns.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on members of his presidential guard and national security forces to step up efforts to prevent the rocket fire so 'that our people can lead a safe life'.
