GAZA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Israeli troops killed a Palestinian near the border fence between Israel and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on Thursday, local medical officials said.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said troops had fired at two Palestinians who were suspected of placing an explosive device near the fence, hitting one of them.

The man's family said he was attempting to catch birds in the area. Local medical officials said the man was unarmed.

Israel has stepped up air strikes and military incursions in recent weeks. Gunmen often lay ambush for Israeli commandos in frontier areas. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Writing by Avida Landau)

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