GAZA, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The Israeli army shot dead three Palestinians approaching the fence of the border between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel, Palestinian security sources said.

    Palestinian Interior Ministry said in a statement that Israeli soldiers stationed on the border between eastern Gaza and Israel opened fire at three Palestinian young men late Sunday.

    The identities of the three were not yet known.

    Palestinian security sources said residents heard shootings and called Palestinian police and ambulances to get to the scene, adding that the police found the bodies of the three Palestinians.

    The Israeli army told Israel Radio that the three were militants who tried to stage an armed attack.

    But Palestinian security sources said the three were unemployed Palestinians who tried to sneak into Israel for job opportunities.Enditem