Israel Defense Forces troops killed a 50-year-old Palestinian man early Saturday during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security officials said.

The man was killed shortly after the IDF troops moved into Gaza through the Sufa cargo crossing to search fields and homes, the officials said.

The officials said the man was a civilian who had just left his home on the way to morning prayers.

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The IDF confirmed it was operating the area, but said it had killed a gunman during an exchange of fire with Palestinian militants.

Palestinian security officials and witnesses said a separate IDF force of around 20 tanks entered northern Gaza, blocking the entrance to the town of Beit Hanoun and exchanging fire with gunmen there. There were no reports of casualties.

IDF troops have been operating in the area this week as part of an operation aimed at halting rocket fire and destroying tunnels used by weapons smugglers. Meanwhile, militants fired seven Qassam rockets into Israel on Friday.