The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Gaza City

Three Palestinians were killed Thursday during an incursion by Israeli forces into the Gaza Strip, including a 16-year- old boy run over by a bulldozer, witnesses and medics said.

Mahmud Kayed's body was ripped to shreds after the military bulldozer bore down on Palestinian youths throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers near the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza.

"There was an exchange of fire between our forces and armed men and one of them was hit," said an Israeli military spokeswoman, adding an investigation had been opened into reports the youth had been run over by a bulldozer.

Mohammed Abu Shajar, 22, was wounded by Israeli fire and later died of his injuries, while the body of another 22-year-old man, Yunes Abu Hajila, was later found in the refugee camp, medics said.