Palestinians from Islamic Jihad, al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades break through Kissufim crossing on Gaza-Israel border. Gunbattle continues on Israeli side. IDF officials say terror cell apparently planned to kidnap Israeli soldier

Palestinian gunmen broke through Israel's border fortifications around Gaza on early Saturday afternoon and exchanged fire with Israeli troops inside Israel, the military said. The attack took place after the gunmen entered an unmanned IDF outpost at Kissufim crossing between central Gaza and Israel.

Army officials believe that the gunmen intended to kidnap an Israeli soldier, and that this was why they came so close to the army outpost. The terror cell was well-equipped and armed, a fact indicating it has thoroughly prepared for the operation.

Four gunmen, from the al-Quds Brigades - the military wing of Islamic Jihad - and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades - Fatah's military wing, were responsible for the attack. According to the Palestinians, some of the gunmen escaped during the gunbattle, and two were still inside the post, one of them dead.

However, according to military sources, three gunmen were killed before and during the gunfight, and the fourth escaped.

Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad, told local radio stations that the four gunmen were meant to snatch a soldier but the attempt was foiled when Israeli helicopter gunships arrived on the scene.

“The aim of the operation was to withdraw with the soldier in captivity,” he said, “but the participation of Israeli helicopters prevented that.”

IDF sources reported that look-outs identified a vehicle marked with "TV" insignia approaching the crossing from the Palestinian side of the fence. According to the sources, the Palestinians made an opening in the fence and infiltrated Israeli territory...