Israeli killed as IDF, terrorists exchange fire along Egypt border

Roadblock set up near the scene

An Israeli citizen and two terrorists were killed Monday morning during clashes between Israel Defense Forces soldiers and terrorists who infiltrated the southern border with Egypt.

Initial information reveals that a terrorist cell penetrated the fence along the Gaza-Sinai border on Monday morning, set off an explosive device on Philadelphi strip near Be'er Milka, and fired an RPG rocket at a team of Defense Ministry employees who were working on the construction of the border fence.

After penetrating the border, the terrorists also started to open fire and, as a result, two construction workers were wounded. One later died of his wounds.

The IDF's Golani Brigade was called to the scene and began exchanging fire with the armed men. According to the IDF, several terrorists were shot, and one was immediately killed. IDF forces began searching for the remaining gunmen, and another terrorist was found dead.

Israeli communities near the border have been put on high alert, and Route 10 and 12 have been blocked to incoming traffic.

The attack follows a few days of intelligence warnings.

On Sunday night, a Qassam rocket was fired toward the Eshkol Regional Council. No one was wounded in the overnight attack.

Overnight Friday, rockets were fired toward Ovda and Mitzpeh Ramon, which Israeli security officials say were launched after a request by senior leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Remains of a rocket, 12 millimeters in diameter, were found Saturday morning near Ovda, which is north of Eilat.