According to official reports, two Israeli soldiers and at least four Palestinian militants were killed in fighting Friday in Gaza.

The Jerusalem Post has reported that Israeli soldiers, backed by tanks and helicopters, entered Gaza in response to apparent setting of explosive devices near the border fence. They were unsure if the soldiers walked into a prepared ambush or if they were attacked because they crossed the border, Israeli military officials said later.

Hamas described the clash as an ambush and took credit for it in a radio broadcast. But Israeli officials said they believed a group modeled on al-Qaida with no ties to Hamas was responsible.

Officials further informed that the soldiers, identified as Maj. Eliraz Peretz and Staff Sgt. Ilan Sviatkovsky, were killed when a Palestinian bullet struck a grenade one of them was carrying, causing an explosion. With one of them seriously wounded, two other soldiers were also wounded in the blast.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said, "This is a hard day for the State of Israel and for the Israel Defense Force. Israel's strong positions against those wishing to harm its civilians and soldiers are well known." (With Inputs from Agencies)