Greg Myre

According to the Israeli military, Hamas fired at Israeli troops in southern Gaza, where the troops were killed, as well as the northern part of the territory.

Israel called it a blatant violation of the ceasefire and responded with airstrikes in several locations across Gaza.

The Palestinians didn't say if their dead were combatants or civilians.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaking the truce since it came into effect October 10.

However, these appear to be the most serious clashes so far.

Israeli troops still control over half of Gaza's territory, mostly in open areas outside cities and towns.

Greg Myrie, NPR News, Tel Aviv.