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Casualties in Gaza border clash Gaza militants kill Israel troops
(20 minutes later)
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed during clashes with Hamas fighters near the Gaza Strip's southern border, according to Israeli radio. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed during clashes with Hamas fighters on the Gaza Strip's southern border, the Israeli army has said.
A further two soldiers were wounded during fighting which broke out east of the town of Khan Younis. Two other soldiers were wounded during the fighting which broke out east of the town of Khan Younis.
Two Palestinian militants have also been killed in fighting, Palestinian and Israeli sources say. Two Palestinian militants were also killed in the clashes, Palestinian and Israeli sources say.
The clashes were sparked by an attempt by Gaza militants to capture an Israeli soldier, a BBC correspondent says. The unrest may have been sparked by a bid by militants to seize 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. In a statement sent to the BBC, Hamas' armed wing - the Al-Qassam Brigades - said it killed the two Israeli soldiers.
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, our correspondent says.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, our correspondent says.
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.