Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers carried out an operation in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, four Palestinians being killed during the mission reportedly aimed at heading off new rocket attacks against Israeli settlements.

According to medical sources, a man was killed by Israeli troops entering the southern city of Khan Yunis. An air raid was launched by army helicopters early Tuesday and the man identified as being a Hamas member was killed, while ten other militants were injured.

A woman and another Hamas fighter were shot dead by IDF forces in their home, while another Palestinian was shot as he was observing the developments from a roof. Witnesses said he was initially injured, but fell several meters and died on the spot.
 
The IDF didn’t confirm the incidents, saying soldiers responded with gunfire in the same south-east region after being attacked by unknown assailants.

Palestinians living in the area said Israeli soldiers launched the operation after other troops that were operating undercover clashed with gunmen and asked for support from ground and air forces.

Military officials said several rockets were launched against Israeli settlements adjacent to Gaza and soldiers were deployed in the region in order to curb the heavy fire and destroy tunnels that lead to the border.

Such tunnels have been used in the past by Palestinian militants to carry out attacks on Israeli security forces or leave Gaza.