Palestinian security forces traded fire with a group of Palestinian militants south of the Gaza City overnight, security officials said on Thursday.

Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfeeq Abu Khousa said the clash erupted when security forces were patrolling in the area close to the border with Israel.

The identities of the militants were not immediately known, he added.

Witnesses said the militants of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) were trying to launch homemade rockets on Israel when the confrontation occurred.

They added that two security forces personnel were injured while the militants managed to escape.

Source: Xinhua