GAZA, May 14: Israeli army forces backed by dozens of tanks, bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers as well as support of Apache helicopters, intensified their operations in the Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza Strip on Friday , Palestinian sources reported.

Refugees said Israeli forces intensified shelling and demolition of houses, mainly Block "O" on the borderline between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The operation had begun on Wednesday, when at least 70 armoured tanks and vehicles accompanied with a number of bulldozers rolled into Rafah refugee camp.

Rafah resident Ibrahim Zeyada said the helicopters had fired 25 missiles on Friday. At least 80 families had been forced out of their homes after helicopter attacks followed by bulldozer demolition.-dpa