Tel Aviv - Israeli soldiers killed two Palestinian militants trying to plant bombs Friday in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.

"Two armed gunmen were identified approaching the Gaza Strip security fence north of the Kerem Shalom Crossing in an attempt to plant explosive devices," an army spokesman said.

Israeli soldiers killed both Palestinians in a firefight that followed, he said.

According to the spokesman, the Palestinians had an explosive device, two AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and military vests in their possession.(dpa)