Palestinian fighters have killed an Zionist soldier and wounded 4 others amid clashes north of Gaza City, says a military spokesman. p

"The soldiers came under fire and fought back. One of them was killed and four other were wounded in the clash which took place north of Gaza City," AFP quoted the spokesman as saying on Tuesday.

The recent death brings the Zionist army death toll to six since the Tel Aviv launch of its ground incursion into the Gaza Strip late Saturday night.

Earlier on Monday, three other troops, including an officer, were killed in friendly fire in Gaza. Another two dozen were injured when a tank shell destroyed a house used by the soldiers for cover.

All of the casualties of the friendly fire incident were members of the Golani Brigade, including Golani Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Avi Peled, who was lightly wounded.