Large scale IDF and security forces have been deployed near Kibbutz Zikim in the Ashkelon area, due to concerns over a possible security incident there.

Residents in communities throughout the Hof Ashkelon region have been warned to stay in their homes as authorities determine the threat level; Kibbutz Zikim is only about a kilometer and a half from the Gaza border. 

Traffic has been stopped near the Kibbutz in all directions and several loud explosions were reportedly heard. 

No incident has yet been confirmed, however – and on at least one occasion, last week, a similar warning concerning a possible terrorist infiltration turned out to be a false alarm. 

An attack at the same location last month was foiled by the IDF. The IDF released video footage of the elimination of four Hamas terrorists who attempted to carry out a deadly attack after infiltrating the border by sea, on the first day of Operation Protective Edge.

The terrorists were killed not long after landing ashore, in a joint operation between ground, air and naval forces.

They were on their way to Kibbutz Zikim, located roughly a kilometer and a half (around one mile) north of Gaza along the coast, when they were intercepted by Israeli forces.

More to follow.