Israel stepped up its pursuit of Hamas yesterday by sending dozens of tanks and attack helicopters deep into Gaza to destroy alleged weapons factories. At least 11 people were killed during about six hours of fighting in pitch darkness after the Israeli army cut power to Gaza City and launched the raid in retaliation for the deaths of four soldiers killed when Hamas blew up an Israeli tank on Saturday. The army said all the dead in yesterday’s assault were armed men. Palestinians said at least three were civilians crushed to death when Israeli soldiers blew up a building. A suicide bomber ran at a tank but was blown up when he was hit by Israeli gunfire. There were no army casualties. The spiritual leader of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, visited the scene and threatened retaliation. “The Israeli enemy has lost its mind. It acts like a runaway bull destroying houses on the heads of their owners,” he said. “The enemy will pay the price for its crimes and will never escape punishment. Our people are capable of resisting.” Hamas responded hours later by launching four rudimentary rockets into a neighbouring Jewish settlement, injuring three people. Full Story