GAZA, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Israeli and Hamas forces clashed inside the Gaza Strip on Thursday and at least three Islamist militants were wounded, Palestinian medical workers said.

A small Israeli ground force entered the southern Gaza Strip before dawn where they encountered the Hamas militants.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said the militants approached the force and opened fire with anti-tank weapons.

An Israeli missile wounded three Hamas militants, one critically, Hamas officials said.

Israel frequently carries out ground operations in the Gaza Strip, saying it is searching for tunnels and militants. Hamas seized control of Gaza in June after routing Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers came under fire during an operation near the city of Nablus. Three of the soldiers were lightly wounded, the army said.

AlertNet news is provided by