Israeli tanks entered a Palestinian controlled area to destroy buildings suspected as the source of mortar attacks on nearby Israeli settlers. Israeli tanks destroyed 27 homes. Hundreds of armed Palestinians moved to the area and an extended gun battle ensued. Two Palestinians died and at least 40 were wounded. Apparently Israel has a new strategy for use against Palestinian violence. Israeli troops will go into Palestinian controlled areas to destroy buildings from which attacks are launched on Israelis, or used by armed groups that are attacking Israelis. The new Sharon government was elected on the promise of doing something to halt the Palestinian attacks on Israelis.