Palestinian fighters from Gaza Strip infiltrated into southern Israel on Saturday during an attack on a key border crossing, the Israeli army confirmed. "There was an infiltration into Israeli territory in the area of the Kissufim crossing," an army spokesman said, according to Reuters.
Palestinian sources confirmed four armed Palestinians attacked the Kissufim crossing checkpoint. The Islamic Jihad said on local radio that the attack was carried out by fighters of its Al-Quds Brigades armed wing. Other reports said it was a joint operation with Fatah's alAqsa Martyrs Brigades. Arab media reports said at least one Israeli soldier was killed.
Earlier, Israeli tanks and troops pushed into the southern Gaza Strip and traded gunfire with members of the armed wing of Hamas, the army and Hamas said.
An Israeli spokesman confirmed an incursion by tanks and infantry units was under way east of the town of Rafah. Hamas in a statement confirmed the clash but made no mention of casualties.
Israeli forces detained dozens of Palestinians aged between 15 and 50 for questioning and identity checks, witnesses said.
