WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush was briefed on Saturday about the situation in the Gaza Strip where Israel sent in tanks and infantry against Hamas fighters, a White House spokesman said.

"President Bush was briefed this afternoon on the current situation in Gaza and the actions of the IDF," the Israel Defense Force, said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. "U.S. officials have been in regular contact with the Israelis as well as officials from countries in the region and Europe." (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky; editing by Mohammad Zargham)

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