GAZA, February  23, 2011 (WAFA) - At least 11 Palestinians were injured Wednesday in Israeli shelling at Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, according to hospital sources and witnesses.

Reports said several Israeli army vehicles entered areas east of Gaza City and were met by resistance.

A statement by the Islamic Jihad said its fighters fired two mortar shells at the Israeli vehicles during the incursion. The Israeli army shelled the fighters injuring three, said the statement.

Medical sources said 11 Palestinians total were injured and were transferred to Shifa hospital in Gaza.

Two have suffered serious injuries with shrapnel wounds to the head and chest. Five others were reported in moderate condition with wounds to the limbs and four light. Three children were among the five injured in the limbs, said the hospital.

Earlier, Israeli soldiers shot at gravel collectors in Beit Lahiya, north of the Gaza Strip, injuring two.

Medical sources said that the two were injured in the pelvis and foot but were reported in moderate conditions.

Six gravel collectors were killed and at least 130 injured since March 2010 as a result of Israeli army shooting at people who get close to the fence built between Israel and the Strip. Israel does not allow Palestinians to get within 300 meters of the fence and sometimes even within two kilometers.

R.S./T.R./M.A.