IDF clashes with gunmen in Gaza

Four Palestinians were injured Friday in an IDF attack east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources had initially reported that at least one Palestinian gunman had been killed, but later revealed that he had returned to his home unharmed.

According to the report, the gunman had lain on the ground while the soldiers fired at the cell, and when the operation was over he returned to Gaza.  

The incident began when a paratrooper unit spotted a group of Palestinians attempting to place an explosive device near the border fence in the area. As the soldiers began approaching the place, the gunmen opened fire at them, and the force responded with gunshots.

None of the soldiers was injured.

Palestinian sources reported that another four people were injured in the gunfight. During the clash Palestinian gunmen fired six mortar shells that landed inside the Strip.

The affiliation of the cell is still unclear, and reports from Gaza regarding the incident are contradicting. According to one account, an IDF aircraft attacked the cell, and according to another – the gunmen were hit by a tank shell.