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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| 'Casualties' in Gaza border clash | 'Casualties' in Gaza border clash |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| Israeli soldiers and Hamas fighters have clashed near the Gaza Strip border, according to reports. | Israeli soldiers and Hamas fighters have clashed near the Gaza Strip border, according to reports. |
| Arab media report two Israeli troops have been killed east of Khan Younis. This has not been confirmed by Israeli officials. | |
| Two Palestinians have also been killed in fighting, Palestinian sources say. | Two Palestinians have also been killed in fighting, Palestinian sources say. |
| The clashes appear to have been sparked by an attempt by Gaza militants to capture an Israeli soldier, a BBC correspondent says. | The clashes appear to have been sparked by an attempt by Gaza militants to capture an Israeli soldier, a BBC correspondent says. |
| Palestinian militants carried out a raid across the fence line and the Israeli military then appears to have pursued them back into Gaza, says the BBC's Paul Wood, in Jerusalem. | Palestinian militants carried out a raid across the fence line and the Israeli military then appears to have pursued them back into Gaza, says the BBC's Paul Wood, in Jerusalem. |
| 'Further response expected' | 'Further response expected' |
| According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces responded using tank shells and heavy machine guns, our correspondent adds. | According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces responded using tank shells and heavy machine guns, our correspondent adds. |
| In a statement sent to the BBC, Hamas' armed wing - the Al-Qassam Brigades - claimed responsibility for the two Israeli soldiers' deaths. | |
| Speaking to Reuters news agency, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida is quoted as saying: "This was our work, but was carried out for defence". | Speaking to Reuters news agency, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida is quoted as saying: "This was our work, but was carried out for defence". |
| Local sources in Gaza say another smaller group, the PFLP General Command, was also involved. This was broadly the same coalition responsible for seizing Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit more than three years ago. | Local sources in Gaza say another smaller group, the PFLP General Command, was also involved. This was broadly the same coalition responsible for seizing Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit more than three years ago. |
| Eyewitnesses in the area described a brief period of heavy clashes and also said that a powerful explosion took place. | Eyewitnesses in the area described a brief period of heavy clashes and also said that a powerful explosion took place. |
| Our correspondent says that, if the past is any guide, a further Israeli military response can also now be expected. | Our correspondent says that, if the past is any guide, a further Israeli military response can also now be expected. |
| A ceasefire between Israel and Islamist militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, has largely held since the 2008-2009 conflict with Israel. Gaza remains under an Israeli-led blockade. | A ceasefire between Israel and Islamist militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, has largely held since the 2008-2009 conflict with Israel. Gaza remains under an Israeli-led blockade. |