Hamas militants killed in Gaza clashes
Four Hamas militants were killed in clashes in central Gaza with Israeli troops near the Israel-Gaza border early today, the army and Hamas officials said.
The army said its troops were on a routine activity about one kilometre (less than a mile) inside the Gaza Strip when it identified armed fighters approaching the force and opened fired at them from the air and from troops on the ground.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida said Hamas fighters discovered an undercover Israeli unit and opened fire on it.
The incident took place close to the Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, an area that is a frequent location of battles between gunmen and the Israeli army.
Hospital officials confirmed at least four dead and four others injured.
Hamas TV said all four belonged to the organisation.
Among the dead was Mohammed Siam, 37, the Hamas field commander in central Gaza, Hamas TV said.
Israeli tanks and bulldozers took up positions in the location, as Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants took over rooftops and laid land mines against the Israeli soldiers, witnesses said.
