GAZA, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Israel shelled a newly declared buffer zone in northern Gaza Wednesday after warning Palestinians not to enter the area.
At least three explosions were reported within minutes of the deadline, the BBC reported.
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The buffer area is about 1.5 miles deep and is intended to stop rocket attacks by militant groups.
The BBC said Palestinian officials earlier rejected the buffer zone proposal and called for Israel to re-engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
Israel had earlier dropped leaflets from the air over northern Gaza that included a map of the security zone and a warning that it will be enforced "until further notice."
