May 18 - The following are security developments in and around Gaza as of 1730 GMT on Friday:

GAZA - Israeli helicopter gunships fired on Hamas militants who launched Qassam missiles into Israel, both sides said. At least one Hamas man died, hospital officials said.

A second Israeli air strike targeted a Hamas van in Gaza City, killing two militants, hospital officials and Hamas said.

Israeli aircraft bombed a Hamas position in the central Gaza Strip, causing no serious casualties, both sides said.

GAZA - An earlier air strike overnight hit a Hamas position, killing four militants, Hamas said. Israeli military officials said the building was used as a meeting place to plan attacks against Israel. They said the building was also suspected of housing a tunnel for smuggling contraband and arms into Israel.

GAZA - Factional clashes continued between Hamas and Fatah forces as three rocket-propelled grenades were launched by Fatah into the campus of the Islamic University, a Hamas stronghold and symbol of power. Two gunmen -- one from each side -- were killed, as was a civilian caught in crossfire, hospital officials said. Two civilians also died from wounds sustained during clashes earlier this week, hospital officials said.

SDEROT, Israel - Ten Palestinian missiles landed in Israeli territory, in the city of Sderot and surrounding area, police said. Hamas claimed responsibility for the salvoes. One missile hit a petrol station, another landed inside a home, police said. Four civilians were slightly injured, hospital officials said.

GAZA - Abu Dhabi Television said its bureau chief in Gaza, Abdel-Salam Abu Aksar, was abducted by gunmen from Hamas's Executive Force. The Executive Force denied it and said it was trying to help locate Aksar.

GAZA - The Israeli army said it continued to operate with small ground forces in the vicinity of the border fence, continuing with "defensive activities."

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