Israeli soldiers kill four militants in Gaza border battle

According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7:00 a.m. when gunmen shot at an IDF patrol south of the Karni Crossing, on the border. The troops fired back, hitting at least four of the Palestinians.

The battle quickly intensified, with Palestinians launching mortars at the IDF position, and the army responding with tank shells. At a certain point, a number of vehicles tried to assist the gunmen in their escape, but an Israeli Air Force helicopter shot at them.

Palestinians later confirmed that four people were killed and at least 12 Palestinians were wounded in the fire fight.

The bodies of all four militants had explosives belts around them and two of the bodies were torn to shreds by explosions, the medics said after retrieving the remains.