GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Four Israeli military vehicles briefly penetrated the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning, leading to clashes with Palestinian militants.

Palestinian fighters said they detonated an explosive device by an Israeli military vehicle near Khuzaa, east of Khan Younis.

Witnesses said Israeli forces fired a shell at Palestinian farmers. A Ma'an reporter said intensive gunfire could be heard in the area.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said Israeli troops came under fire during "routine activity" in the area, and returned fire in the direction of the suspects.

No injuries were reported in the incident.