Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Deadly Fighting Erupts Along Israel-Gaza Border VOA News 26 March 2010 Palestinians flee during clashes with Israeli military forces in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 26 Mar 2010 Photo: AP Palestinians flee during clashes with Israeli military forces in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 26 Mar 2010 Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen have engaged in what witnesses describe as a fierce shootout, punctuated by mortar fire and explosions. Officials on both sides said at least two Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed, while two other Israeli soldiers were injured. Reports indicate civilians also were hurt. The violence is among the worst in Gaza since Israel's offensive against Gaza at the end of 2008. Witnesses said the intense fighting kept ambulances from reaching the wounded. The militant group Hamas said its members opened fire after Israeli forces crossed the border and advanced about 500 meters into Gaza. The Israelis said the first exchange of gunfire was with militants trying to plant explosives near a border fence. Israeli officials said its troops were supported by tanks and helicopter gunships. The Israeli military said in a statement that it holds Hamas "solely responsible" for maintaining peace in the Gaza Strip.  After the fighting broke out, some Hamas officials claimed Friday that they had lured the Israeli forces into an ambush. And some witnesses said the battle began after an explosion near the Israeli forces.  In a separate incident earlier Friday, Israeli forces shot a 15-year-old Palestinian boy who approached a fence at the Erez Crossing in northern Gaza. The Israeli army also said Palestinians in Gaza launched a rocket into Israel but that no one was hurt. Israel launched an offensive into Gaza in December 2008 to stop Palestinian rocket attacks. The fighting then killed 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.  Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .