GAZA CITY: An Israeli airstrike hit a group of militants along the volatile border between Israel and the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, killing one and wounding two others in a burst of violence that shattered a recent lull and threatened to set off more fighting.

Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Adham Abu Salmia said the violence erupted when Israeli troops moved into a buffer zone east of Gaza City. Palestinian militants then engaged the troops in a gun battle before an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at the gunmen. He said one of the wounded was in critical condition. The Israeli military said its aircraft had targeted two militant squads that were preparing to fire rockets into southern Israel. It pledged to “continue to take action against those [who] use terror against the state of Israel.”

In a text message, the Islamic Jihad militant group said the militants were all members. The group has been involved in a number of clashes with Israel in recent months.