IDF hits 5 gunmen in Khan Younis

Israeli aircraft attacked two Palestinian gunmen approaching IDF forces in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis Tuesday afternoon, and an IDF tank fired at three other gunmen who were throwing grenades at the forces.

All five gunmen were hit and no soldiers were wounded in the clashes.

IDF activity in Khan Younis Monday night left at least five Palestinians dead and some 20 wounded. An Israeli soldier who was lightly injured during the clashes was treated on the spot and evacuated to hospital.

A Palestinian source told Ynet that the most severely injured Palestinian from Tuesday's operation was taken to the hospital where one of his legs had to be amputated.

It was reported Tuesday afternoon that IDF forces operating in the southern Gaza Strip uncovered an explosive belt and explosive device ready to be activated.

More than 50 Palestinian men were questioned by the army, which is later expected to decide whether to arrest some of them and take them into Israel for questioning by the Shin Bet.

Forces from Golani's 51st Battalion are taking part in the operation, and have managed to hit about 25 gunmen since arriving in the Gaza Strip about a month ago.

It was reported that the activity began following the death of a Hamas operative win an Israeli airstrike Monday night, which was followed by the entry of ground forces into the area with helicopters and armored vehicles.

The Palestinians also reported that IDF soldiers took over a number of houses in the southern Strip during the operation, and that the troops were calling on men aged 16 to 40 to leave their homes.

Ali Waked contributed to this report