(dpa) - An Israeli airstrike wounded two Palestinian militants early Saturday as they were preparing to fire home-made rockets into southern Israel from the northern Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
"The two men were taken to Beit Hanoun hospital and then transferred to another hospital in Jabaliya refugee camp," said Mu'awia Hassanein, director of the ambulance and emergency department at the health ministry. He added their injuries were moderate.
Witnesses said that one rocket was launched at the Palestinian fighters in the border town which is often used by armed Palestinian groups to launch makeshift missiles into southern Israeli communities.
Israeli radio confirmed the reports, saying the army targeted a rocket squad that was trying to fire rockets into Western Negev.
Despite the Israeli army measures, two rockets landed in the Western Negev Saturday morning, causing no casualties or damage, according to Israeli radio.
On Friday, the military wing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement said it is sticking to a ceasefire call by Abbas. The rival Hamas movement has ruled the Gaza Strip since June.