Israeli Army warns Palestinians of approaching fence

A spokesman for the Israeli Army reported on Monday that soldiers shot and killed an armed Palestinian from Gaza last night, and told Radio Israel the incident took place near the fence separating Gaza Strip from Israeli-held territories. The spokesman added the force involved conducted a search operation after the shooting and found the body of the Palestinian and a Kalashnikov. "The soldiers detected the man as he was digging near the fence and opened fire." He pointed out three explosive devices had been dismantled so far this week in the security fence area. The spokesman accused Palestinian organizations and factions in Gaza of using the fence area to execute attacks and kidnappings of soldiers and security patrols. In a related development, local media reported that flyers had been dropped over many Palestinian towns and cities in southern Gaza, and particularly heavily over Rafah and east Khan Younes areas, expressing a clear warning that those coming within 300 meters of the fence put themselves in the line of fire. "Forces are licensed to take all measures necessary to prevent any person from entering this zone, including opening fire. Let all be forewarned", the flyers said. The documents all bear the stamp of the Israeli Army, radios said.