Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has vowed to press on with army operations in the Gaza Strip, despite international condemnation of a raid that killed 14 Palestinians on Monday. Mr Sharon hailed the operation as a "success" - although he expressed regret over civilian casualties. During Monday's raid tanks, backed by helicopters and bulldozers, stormed the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis. The United States has condemned the operation, saying it took place in crowded civilian areas and involved firing on a medical facility. The European Union, Russia, Egypt and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan also voiced strong criticism.