Three Palestinian militants were killed and five civilians injured on Tuesday evening when an Israeli aircraft fired one missile at a group of Palestinians, including militants in eastern Gaza City, Palestinian medics and witnesses said.

Witnesses said that armed clashes erupted on Tuesday evening between Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers in Sheja'eya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City.

An Israeli aircraft fired one air-to-ground missile at the militants, the witnesses added.

Meanwhile, Palestinian doctors at Shiffa Hospital said that three militants were killed and five civilians were injured, including a 5-year-old boy, who has been critically wounded.

The doctors said the injured people were brought to the hospital for treatment.

The Israeli army, backed by helicopters, had pushed 10 tanks and several armored vehicles and bulldozers into the eastern part of Sheja'eya in eastern Gaza City, said Palestinian security sources.

Palestinian residents said that Israeli army snipers seized the roofs of several buildings in the area and opened fire at anything moves.

The doctors said that since the beginning of the Israeli army ground operation into the neighborhood, 11 Palestinians have been killed and more than 20 wounded.

However, Israel said the aim of the operation is to search for underground tunnels.

Militants usually reportedly dig underground tunnels near the borders between Gaza Strip and Israel and send their members through these tunnels to carry out armed attacks against Israel.

Source: Xinhua