JERUSALEM — Israeli forces killed three Palestinian militants on the Gaza border Tuesday, the military and Israeli media said, in the deadliest clash since a truce between Israel and the Islamic Hamas rulers of Gaza expired over the weekend.
Despite the violence, Israel’s Defense Ministry said late Tuesday that it had decided to open three border crossings to allow “minimal” supplies into Gaza, the Palestinians’ impoverished seaside strip where shortages of vital goods are common.
The clash and renewed rocket fire from Gaza after a one-day lull dampened hopes that the truce could be renewed quickly.
Israel said three militants were spotted planting explosives in northern Gaza along the border fence. Soldiers crossed a few yards into Gaza and engaged the Palestinians, who threw grenades. The military said soldiers returned fire, hitting the three. Israeli media said they were killed, the first to die since the truce ended.
There was no immediate Palestinian comment. In the past, militant groups have responded to such clashes with rocket barrages.
Before the clash, five rockets and a mortar were fired at Israel on Tuesday. No casualties or damage were reported.
