For the first time since the ceasefire took effect in June, IDF forces are operating deep in the Gaza Strip Tuesday night in a bid to collapse a tunnel located 250 meters (273 yards) from the border – and which terror groups intended to use for kidnapping Israeli soldiers.

Clashes erupted in the area and at least three Palestinian gunmen have been reported killed while a number of Hamas operatives have been confirmed wounded. Palestinians reported a female bystander also sustained injuries.

The force arrived at a structure near the al-Bureij refugee camp which the tunnel had been dug in adjacent to. Palestinian gunmen alerted to the soldiers' presence arrived at the scene and a fierce gunbattle ensued. Shortly afterwards a loud explosion occurred, which toppled the structure. The army said the intensity of the blast was due to the large amount of explosives stored in the building. No casualties were reported among IDF troops.

Six mortar shells were fired at the troops during the operation, all landing in open areas near the Kissufim border crossing. No injuries or damage were reported.

The Air Force launched two separate strikes on cells launching mortar shells, killing at least five Hamas gunmen.

Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades' spokesman, Abu Obeid, said Tuesday that Hamas "will fight off any Israeli operation," adding the organization will retaliate on the operation. Security officers at the Gaza vicinity communities were subsequently warned of possible rocket attacks on the western Negev region.

IDF sources said that the operation was "an innately defensive one and not an offensive one; but we have rescue teams on standby, ready for any possible scenario."

According to the information available, the force was approaching a building near the suspected tunnel entrance, when a large explosion occurred, causing the building to collapse. None of the soldiers were hurt.