Gaza  - The Islamic Hamas movement warned Israel Saturday night that by sending ground troops into the Gaza Strip it was falling into "the trap that our fighters had prepared for its soldiers and tanks."

The movement's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement that "the Zionist enemy will see surprises and will regret carrying out such an operation and will be a heavy price. Our militants are waiting with patience to confront the soldiers face to face."

Israeli infantry and armour entered the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Saturday night, after eight days of heavy Israeli airstrikes on the territory. (dpa)