RAFAH, June 18, 2012 (WAFA) – Three Palestinians and an Israeli were killed early Monday in a gunfire exchange between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians along Israel’s southern borders with Egypt.

Local sources reported on a loud explosion near Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing southeast of the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, followed by heavy gunfire and airstrikes from Israeli warplanes.

Israeli reports claimed a group of fighters penetrated the Gaza-Sinai border on Monday morning, set off an explosive device, attacked a group of Israeli workers in the area and then engaged in a heavy gunfire exchange with Israeli soldiers.

An Israeli employee of the Defense Ministry, who was working on the construction of the new border fence, was killed and another two were injured in the clashes, while three Palestinians were killed.

Israel announced state of high alert near the borders, meanwhile no Palestinian faction claimed responsibility of the attack.

R.Q./M.S.