Gaza City - A Palestinian militant leader denied reports Tuesday that Israeli ground troops had advanced into populated areas, saying the troops were in fact holding positions on the outskirts of Gaza City, the northern refugee camp of Jabaliya and the southern town of Khan Younis. "I am telling the people in Gaza not to listen to those reports saying that the Israeli armed forces are inside populated areas. They are still occupying open areas and they are not brave enough to enter into populated areas because they can expect to face very tough resistance," Abu Yousef, of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) armed faction, told a local radio station.
Residents said Israel troops are stationed on the eastern outskirts of Jabaliya, as well as east, south and north of Gaza City, and east of Khan Younis.
