Israeli tank fire killed three Palestinians yesterday at the flashpoint border with Gaza, medics said, following a rocket attack claimed by militants.

The Israeli shelling killed 91-year-old security guard Ibrahim Abdullah Abu Said, his grandson Hossam Khaled Abu Saeed, 17, and a man identified as Hossam Khaled Abu Saeed, 20, medical services spokesman Adham Abu Salima said.

Mr Salima said the military action, which was confirmed by the Israeli army, took place in Beit Hanoun, close to the border between Israel and the Islamist Hamas-run Gaza Strip. Witnesses said they heard an explosion at the border zone shortly before the tanks began firing.

The military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine later claimed responsibility for rocket and mortar fire into Israel that occurred at around the same time and location.

“A group of the Al-Nasser Salahaddin Brigades succeeded in firing two rockets and one mortar shell” yesterday evening, it said in a statement.

“Our heroes who implemented the mission are safely back in their base,” said the statement, adding the action was launched in retaliation for attacks on Gaza civilians.

Israel’s military said its “soldiers identified a number of suspects attempting to fire an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) in their direction. The soldiers returned fire towards the suspects, who were apparently hit.”

In a statement, the army said its forces had “fired warning shots” at a number of “suspects approaching the security fence in the same area” earlier in the day.

“The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) remains committed to protecting the citizens of Israel and will continue to act against terror. The IDF holds Hamas solely responsible for terror emanating from the Gaza Strip.

The statement did not say how many suspects were hit or give any further details.

The latest clashes came on the last day of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr festivities that mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.