Report: 2 Palestinians killed by IDF mortars near Kissufim

Unofficial Palestinian sources in Gaza reported at around noon Friday that two or three gunmen were killed in an exchange of fire with IDF soldiers near the Kissufim crossing.

Earlier, the IDF reported that the force fired mortar shells at the militants after they approached the border fence in an attempt to plant explosive devices along the security fence that separates Israel from Gaza, near Kibbutz Kissufim in the western Negev region.  

The four gunmen arrived at the fence carrying grenades and assault rifles. At some point they planted one of the bombs, and an explosion was heard a short while later. Security officials estimated that the militants detonated the bomb in order to lure IDF forces to the area.

Golani Brigade soldiers who were dispatched to the scene opened fire on the gunmen, who managed to escape. Soldiers continued combing the area in search of the Palestinians and additional explosive devices they may have planted.

Security officials told Ynet that Friday's incident was part of the militant organizations' increased efforts to target IDF forces operating along the border.

On Thursday, Israeli aircraft attacked a militant cell in central Gaza, this after shots were fired at an IDF patrol in the area.

"The terror groups are motivated to act and are planning attacks," one official said, adding that Hamas was not involved in the activity. 

Also Friday, the Akko Police chief ordered that his forces be put on high alert near the shore after a warning was received from the defense establishment that explosive devices may be located there.

The police ordered security officers in hotels along the beach to be on the alert and to up the frequency of the patrols. The police also instructed fishermen in the region of the issue.

Sharon Roffe-Ofir and Ali Waked contributed to the report