GAZA, December 20 (RIA Novosti) -At least six Palestinian militants were killed and five Israeli soldiers wounded during clashes in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, local officials said.
One of the wounded Israelis soldiers was hit by a grenade and is in intensive care.
At least 20 Palestinians were also wounded, five of them seriously, Palestinian health officials said.
The Israeli operation began early in the morning when troops entered the Gaza town of Maghazi.
The Israeli military has intensified operations in the Gaza Strip recently, killing 20 Palestinian militants this week in retaliation for continuous rocket and shell attacks launched from the enclave.
At least three rockets were fired at south Israel by Palestinian militants on Thursday, and one of them hit near a local school. Media said several children were treated for shock.
