By Xinhua
Gaza : Israeli forces withdrew from southeastern Gaza Strip Wednesday morning after killing a Hamas militant in fire exchange, witnesses and medical sources said.
The Israeli tanks and bulldozers, backed by air force, rolled into al-Qarara village in the east of Khan Younis city in southern Gaza Strip at 2:00 am early on Wednesday morning, the residents confirmed.
Clashes erupted between the Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, resulting in the death of Mohammed Shameia, 23, a member of Hamas’ military wing, according to the Islamic movement.
Meanwhile, Israel Radio said that two soldiers were wounded in eastern Khan Younis, describing their injuries as moderate and slight. The soldiers were taken to Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva.
The Israeli special forces stepped back at 6:30 am (0430 GMT) after entering for about 800 meters deep into al-Qarara.
Hamas said its fighters fired gunshots at the Israeli helicopters while the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement claimed firing several RPG shells at the tanks.
Six mortar shells were fired at the place in which the tanks and bulldozers gathered as Hamas said it claims the responsibility.
In recent weeks, Israel increased limited incursions into the border areas of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. A Palestinian gunman was killed in similar incursion in northeast Gaza Strip on Tuesday.