Israeli troops vigilant along Gaza border

KHAN YUNIS, Gaza, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Israeli military forces shot and killed a Palestinian farmer and wounded another in operations along the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed the man from army outposts along the border fence, Ynetnews reported Friday.

Palestinian officials said the men posed no threat to Israeli troops and Israeli officials said they were investigating the shootings.

Gaza militants fired several mortar shells from the same area Thursday, prompting Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak to acknowledge that Israel plans to increase operations in the Gaza Strip.

"We will use all our diplomatic means to weaken the Hamas leadership and its effectiveness, but the truth must be told, we are nearing an extensive operation in Gaza," Barak said.