Israeli security forces on Monday thwarted an attempt to breach the security fence near the Karni crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. The crossing has not been operational since 2011.
Palestinian media reported that Israeli troops opened fire on several Palestinians trying to breach the border and cross into Israeli territory, killing a 24-year-old man.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit issued a statement saying, "Five terrorists attempted to sabotage security infrastructure near the [underground counter-tunnel] barrier. An explosion occurred and several terrorists were wounded as a result. No injuries were reported among the soldiers."
The attempted border infiltration comes hours after the Israel Air Force struck several Hamas positions in central Gaza in retaliation for waves of kite terrorism that have sparked massive fires in Israeli communities near the Gaza border.
Military officials have warned that unless Hamas leaders curb the incendiary kite campaign, which has been steadily growing worse since it was launched in late April, the IDF would mount surgical strikes against such terrorist cells – a policy currently employed against terrorists who fire rockets at Israel.
