Clashes erupted as Israeli bulldozers and armored vehicles entered 800 meters beyond the Gaza border near Beit Hanoun and began destroying agricultural land near the border, witnesses said Wednesday afternoon.
Israeli soldiers reportedly fired on civilians in the area as they began bulldozing lands. Farmers fled the area and shortly after they reported hearing explosions from the same direction.
The Military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, claimed they launched a rocket propelled grenade shell at the invading forces.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the presence of troops in Gaza, saying forces "uncovered explosive devices" in the area and had snipers detonate the devices. She also confirmed troops were fired on by Gaza factions, but reported no injuries or damages.
Overnight two armed groups said they clashed with invading Israeli forces, then early Wednesday afternoon medics in Gaza said a young man came into hospital with wounds reportedly sustained from Israeli fire.
The day marks the largest number of reported clashes between Israeli troops and armed Gaza factions since the Israeli war on Gaza came to a close in January.
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