1:08PM IL: The IDF censor has now permitted publicizing that an IDF soldier was killed, one officer seriously wounded and two other soldiers wounded less seriously.

The incident occurred earlier on Tuesday morning when terrorists in Gaza opened fire with shoulder-held rockets and detonated a bomb against an IDF patrol near the Kissufim area of the Gaza border.

The injured were transported to the trauma unit of Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.

As a result of the attack, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered Gaza crossings closed.

ADDITIONAL UPDATES APPEAR BELOW

9:03AM IL: According to preliminary information, an anti-tank rocket was fired and a bomb detonated against an IDF patrol in the Kissufim Crossing area of the Gaza border. There are unconfirmed although reliable reports of injuries on the scene. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available.

9:43AM IL: PA reports indicate IDF tank fire is being directed at a Khan Yunis home. No additional information at this time.

10:57AM IL: It is now being confirmed by IDF sources that a bomb was detonated against an IDF patrol in the Kissufim area. Al-Jazeera reports shoulder held rockets were also fired at the patrol. The IDF retaliated with tank fire and PA sources report the IAF is striking targets east of Khan Yunis, reporting at least one fatality.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)