Israeli soldiers shot dead two Palestinian militants Tuesday, who tried to infiltrate from the Gaza Strip into Israel, Palestinian witnesses said and Israel Radio said.
The Israel military confirmed that an "incident" had taken place, but said it was checking exact details, DPA reported.
Israel Radio said soldiers spotted two figures crossing the heavily-patrolled border and making their way to one of the Israeli villages in the region. The troops gave chase and killed them in the ensuing firefight.
Palestinian witnesses said they heard heavy gunfire from the in south-eastern Gaza Strip, in the area between the town Khan Younis and Israel.
Palestinian medical officials could not confirm the deaths, since the bodies were left on the Israeli side of the border.
Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Martyrs brigades, the armed wing of President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement, claimed responsibility on Tuesday for launching a homemade rocket from the Gaza Strip at southern Israel.
The group said in a statement sent to reporters that firing the rocket was a revenge for Israel's killing Monday of a number of foreign activists on board an aid flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip.