Israeli" Soldier Killed, Palestinian Martyred South of Gaza

"Israeli" occupation forces shot and killed a Palestinian on Tuesday in Deir el-Balah west of Gaza shortly after an "Israeli" soldier was killed in a blast near the border between Gaza and occupied territories south of the Strip. The martyr was identified as Anwar al-Dreim, 24. It was not immediately clear what type of fire, artillery or helicopter gunships, killed him, according to medics.

For the first time since the unilateral ceasefire declarations by "Israel" and Hamas, an explosive device exploded near the Kissufim crossing along the border with the Gaza Strip.

The blast occurred as an "Israeli" occupation army force patrolled the border fence in the southern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources reported that exchanges of fire erupted in the area, including sniper fire.

The Gaza incident took place as the discussions between the Palestinian factions' representatives and Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman continued in Cairo in a bid to reach an agreement on continuing the ceasefire.