Israeli soldiers hurt in rocket attack

More than 50 Israeli soldiers have been injured in a Palestinian rocket attack on their base near the Gaza Strip.

The wounded troops are all new recruits undergoing basic training and were asleep when the rocket hit an empty tent and exploded.

The casualty list was the longest from a single rocket attack launched from the Gaza Strip, which Hamas Islamists took over during fighting against the long-dominant Fatah faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas three months ago.

Militants in northern Gaza frequently fire Qassam rockets across the border. Most land harmlessly but since a Palestinian uprising began in 2000, 12 people have been killed in the attacks.

The latest strike is likely to put more pressure on Israeli leaders to crack down on the Hamas-controlled territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's security cabinet last week decided against launching a major assault in the Gaza Strip after a rocket landed near a children's day care centre, opting instead for what it called "pinpoint attacks" against militants.

Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai said: "I think that, long, long, long ago, years back, we should have responded with a mighty force.

"There will be no choice but to take action, ultimately. There will be discussions, the military will makes its proposals, and the government will decide."

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