Jerusalem (CNN) -- A Palestinian man in northern Gaza was killed in shelling by Israeli forces, Palestinian medics said Tuesday.
The man was identified as 22-year-old Muhammad Shalha, medical officials said.
The Israeli military said soldiers spotted an armed man approaching the border fence and that he didn't heed the calls and warnings by the Israel Defense Forces.
As a result, an "IDF tank shot toward him" and "a direct hit was confirmed".
Israel says attackers regularly take advantage of the situation near the fence, "innocently wandering by while they attempt to plant explosives" or "plan attacks and kidnappings of IDF soldiers".
The IDF said it has seen an increase in terror strikes recently, counting 128 in March compared to 61 in February and 83 in January.
"Terrorist organizations launched 38 rockets and 87 mortar shells toward Israel altogether," the IDF said. CNN
