Olmert expresses regret over Gaza raid

Occupied Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed regret on Tuesday after a Gaza Strip raid that killed a Palestinian woman and her children.

"The state of Israel and the government of Israel are deeply sorry when any civilian or non-combatant is hurt, particularly with regard to the mother and four of her children, who were killed," Olmert told his cabinet at its weekly meeting.

Residents of the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun said Israeli fire on Monday hit a family home, killing seven people, including the woman and the children.

The Israeli military disputed the account, describing the deaths as tragic and saying they occurred when an aircraft fired at two militants carrying bags filled with munitions that exploded and destroyed the home.

A military spokesman said troops had withdrawn from Gaza back into Israel.