GAZA, June 10 (RIA Novosti) - At least three Hamas fighters were killed in an Israeli missile strike on eastern Gaza on Tuesday, Hamas said.

The Islamic group also said another six militants were injured in the strike which was directed at Hamas firing positions, which earlier launched around 20 mortar shells into Israel.

The clashes came amid top-level discussions in Israel on a possible ceasefire with Hamas under the mediation of Egypt. The more likely option, however, is believed by analysts to be a new Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

Israel has put restrictions on fuel supplies and deliveries of other essential goods to Gaza as part of an attempt to pressure Hamas to stop rocket attacks on Israeli border towns. The radical Islamic group seized control of the enclave from the pro-Palestinian presidential Fatah movement 12 months ago.