According to reports, three bulldozers backed by three tanks and a troop-carrier rolled into Al-Qarara Village in the southern Gaza Strip amid intensive gunfire. Security sources in the Hamas government said the troops entered Gaza through Kissufim crossing and began combing the area.

Gunfire was heard in the area, but no injuries were reported.

Earlier, Israeli media sources reported that Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip shot in the direction of Kissufim border crossing on Monday, and the Israeli troops patrolling there responded by firing back.

On Sunday, a Palestinian civilian was critically wounded when the Israeli troops opened fire at a peaceful anti-settlement protest in Al-Farahin Village. Witnesses said the Palestinian youth was shot at after he tried to place a Palestinian flag on the border.