JERUSALEM, August 9, 2006 (WAFA)- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that the situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely volatile.

In a press release issued Wednesday, ICRC revealed that the ongoing closure of the territory (including Rafah terminal), continued military operations and violent confrontations keeping the level of tension high.

ICRC pointed out to the Israeli incursion into the Shoka area (south-east of Rafah), saying that the heavy shooting and shelling reportedly led to 17 deaths and injured 43 citizens.

It added that eleven houses and greenhouses were destroyed, agricultural fields were leveled over a large area, several roads were blocked and water pipes were broken by bulldozers and tanks.

H.M. (20:56 P) (17:56 GMT)