Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians in an attack on the northern part of the blockaded Gaza Strip as Tel Aviv steps up attacks against civilians in the besieged territory.

The incident occurred on Thursday, when armed clashes broke out between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the north of the besieged coastal sliver.

The Israeli army has increased its attacks against the Gazans, vowing to continue to act against Palestinian fighters allegedly poised to fire rockets across the border.

Palestinian groups say they are observing an Egyptian-brokered truce agreement but reserve the right to reply to any Israeli aggression.

On Wednesday, the Israeli regime gave the green light to its military to prepare for a ground offensive against the Gaza Strip, under the pretext of halting rocket fire from the coastal strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Tel Aviv would operate “vigorously and resolutely” against those that would “threaten Israel’s security.”

“A security philosophy cannot rely on defense alone,” Netanyahu said. “It must also include offensive capabilities, the very foundation of deterrence.”

Israeli warplanes have been pounding the long-blockaded Gaza Strip since Saturday, killing more than 12 Palestinians in the latest attacks.

(Press TV)