Five IDF soldiers were wounded near the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Thursday evening.

An initial investigation has found that terrorists detonated an explosive device as IDF soldiers were operating in the area, preparing to blow up the terror tunnel that was recently discovered by IDF soldiers, leading from Gaza into an Israeli kibbutz.

As the soldiers crossed the border fence, the device was detonated, wounding the five soldiers who were taken by helicopter to the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. The IDF responded by opening fire at terrorists who were in the ara.

Palestinian Authority-based media reported that a gunfire ensured between the terrorists and the soldiers.

According to the reports, two terrorists were killed by IDF gunfire, at least one of whom is a member of Hamas.

PA-based medical and security officials told the AFP news agency that one Hamas terrorist was killed and another wounded by Israeli tank fire.

Thursday’s incident comes several days after the IDF decided to stop providing individual soldier units to provide security for 13 communities along the Gaza and Sinai borders, and also in nine northern communities.

Alon Shuster, head of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, said on Thursday night, following the Gaza incident, “Today, at the most unfortunate timing, the last soldier left the communities surrounding Gaza and the facts speak for themselves.”