Israeli forces are preparing for a major raid into the Gaza Strip: Israeli Troops and Tanks Poised on Gaza Border.

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian gunmen took up battle positions on Wednesday against Israeli forces poised to pour into the Gaza Strip in a new offensive triggered by a suicide bombing that killed 10 Israelis.

“We prepared ourselves and said farewell to our families. If they come in it will be a battle to the death,” one gunman said.

Firing the opening shots in what Israeli officials said would be a series of attacks against militant groups and their leaders, an Israeli helicopter punched three missiles into a house in Gaza City on Tuesday, killing two Palestinians.