Five reported dead after Gaza Strip gunfight

The Israeli army has killed two Palestinian militants in a gunfight at a fortified army base in the southern Gaza Strip.

Initial reports suggest three Israeli soldiers were also killed in the battle near the Keren Shalom Jewish settlement, close to the town of Rafah.

According to Israel, the first gunman was shot dead after infiltrating the base before dawn, while the second escaped, was pursued by soldiers and killed.

The Israeli army said the Palestinians were armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles and hand grenades and were wearing belts containing explosives.