A Palestinian was killed and two others wounded in an armed clash last night between an Israeli army force and Islamic Hamas militants in eastern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security sources and witnesses said.

The security sources, close to Gaza ruler Hamas movement, said that the Israeli army ground force has apparently entered the refugee camp of al-Buriej in east of central Gaza Strip.

Up to now, the clash is still going on, according to the sources.

Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas movement's armed wing, said in a statement that its militants fired at least 10 mortar shells at an Israeli army force that entered central Gaza Strip.

Witnesses in the area said they heard explosions and exchange of fire and saw Israeli helicopters hovering over the area.

It marks the first armed confrontation between the Israeli army and Gaza militants since a truce, which was brokered by Egypt, came into effect on June 19 in the Gaza Strip.