Gaza  - Palestinian medics on Saturday confirmed that two fighters were killed during armed clashes with Israeli forces in the northeast of the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army also confirmed that its forces killed two militants said to have been planting bombs near the security fence that separates between Israeli and Palestinian territories in the east of Jabaliya refugee camp.

Earlier, the medical sources were unable to confirm reports that the two fighters had died.

Witnesses said the exchange of fire erupted when Israeli forces rolled for nearly 200 metres into the Palestinian territories in northeast Gaza Strip.

A rocket that was fired into Israel during the morning exploded prematurely inside the Gaza borders, causing no casualties. The incursion followed later. (dpa)