Israeli forces have killed three Palestinian militants who tried to attack a Jewish settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip, Israeli security sources say.
But Palestinian security sources said today only two militants were killed by Israeli small arms and missile fire on the outskirts of Gush Katif, identifying them as members of Islamic Jihad.
The Israeli security sources said troops and a helicopter gunship fired at militants planting a bomb on the settlement bloc's perimeter.
The Palestinian gunmen shot back before they were killed, wounding an Israeli soldier, the Israeli sources said.
Islamic Jihad has been prominent in a 4-year-old Palestinian uprising against the Jewish state.
Palestinian militants have stepped up attacks in Gaza since Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced a plan to withdraw troops and settlers from the coastal strip next year.
Israel has vowed to crush the Gaza militants, fearing they could embolden gunmen in the West Bank, another territory that Palestinians want for a state.