Gaza militants cross border into Israel and battle troops, 2 militants reported dead

Gaza militants battle Israelis, 2 reported dead

JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says Gaza militants have crossed the border into Israel and exchanged fire with troops. Israeli rescue services say two militants were killed.

Tensions are high Tuesday in the aftermath of an Israeli naval raid targeting an aid flotilla to Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas militants and is subject to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade.

Commandos boarding one of the ships Monday encountered resistance and killed nine pro-Palestinian activists in the ensuing clash.

The Israeli military says no troops were hurt in Tuesday’s clash on the Gaza border.

Israeli police said roadblocks were thrown up inside Israel after the reported infiltration from Gaza.

Israel Radio reported that schoolchildren in the area were ordered to remain inside.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Organizers of the Gaza aid flotilla that was the target of a deadly Israeli naval raid say they’re sending two more ships to the area within the next few days.

Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement says a cargo boat is already on the way to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. She says a second boat carrying about three dozen passengers is expected to join it.

Meanwhile, criticism inside Israel was spreading Tuesday about the botched raid, which killed at least nine activists.

Israeli officials say about 50 of the 671 activists aboard the flotilla have been taken to Israel’s international airport for deportation. They say others have refused to identify themselves and will remain in detention.