Israelis kill three Palestinian gunmen

GAZA, June 16 (UPI) -- Israeli military officials say soldiers killed three Palestinian gunmen Monday as they approached a security fence separating Gaza from Israel.

The three Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers who crossed into Gaza territory when they allegedly spotted the armed men approaching the security fence, the Web site Ynetnews.com reported. Israeli military officials claimed the men were found with explosives and rifles in their possession and that they were looking to plant two bombs for use against Israeli patrols.

The Web site said Palestinian sources claimed the slain gunmen belonged to Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades and died after a heavy exchange of gunfire with the Israeli soldiers.

Meanwhile, another clash between the Israeli military and armed Palestinians happened a few hours later, when Israeli aircraft opened fire at two men at another security fence in south Gaza, near Khan Younis. The Israeli military told Ynetnews.com that "a hit" on the two men was identified.