Israeli missile kills Gaza militant

GAZA, Nov 26 (Reuters) A Palestinian militant was killed and four others were wounded by an Israeli missile strike in the northern Gaza Strip today, local medical workers said.

Witnesses said an Israeli missile was fired in the northern part of the territory near a key crossing with Israel. Islamist Hamas, which controls the coastal enclave, said the militants were members of their group.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said Israeli aircraft fired at militants who had fired two mortar shells at Israel, and identified hitting them.

Israel has stepped up air strikes and military incursions since Islamist Hamas seized control of Gaza in June. The northern Gaza Strip is an area which militants often use to launch rockets and mortars into southern Israel.

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