Israeli warplanes and helicopter gunships have attacked Palestinian security headquarters in the center of Gaza City. 

Palestinian officials say dozens of people were wounded in the raids on the security complex, which includes a prison. Explosions sent school children running through the streets in panic and electricity was cut in the area. 

Monday's attack follows Israeli air strikes Sunday in Gaza in retaliation for the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian militants, and the firing of two Qassam-2 rockets from Gaza that landed harmlessly in a field in Israel. It was the first time such rockets have been used since violence erupted 16 months ago. Israel had threatened a strong response if the rockets were fired at Israeli towns. 

A flurry of Israeli military activity began Sunday as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon returned home from the United States, promising to retaliate for Palestinian attacks. Today's air strikes came hours after Israeli forces moved into the Palestinian-controlled West Bank town of Nablus briefly overnight, one day after a similar incursion in the same area. 

Israeli tanks, armored vehicles and troops advanced to the edge of the Balatah refugee camp near Joseph's Tomb, a Jewish religious site, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire. No serious casualties were reported. The Israeli forces withdrew after about two hours. The Israeli military says the operation was intended to foil attacks against Israelis. 

Palestinians say Sunday's air strikes in Gaza wounded at least 30 people, including two U.N. workers in their offices. U.N. envoy Terje Roed-Larsen said he was outraged that Israeli would stage air raids so close to civilian areas and U.N. offices. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP. 

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