JERUSALEM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army said on Sunday afternoon that it killed three Palestinians trying to infiltrate into Israel from Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired toward "four suspects" who attempted to infiltrate into Israel and damage security infrastructure, killing three of them, the IDF said in a statement.

The four Palestinians were carrying a camera, an axe, a fence cutter, gloves and an oxygen mask, according to the Israeli army.

The IDF did not provide the details about the fourth Palestinian, but Israeli media reported that the Palestinian was seriously injured and evacuated to a hospital in Gaza.

"The IDF will continue to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians and will operate against those who attempt to harm the safety of the State of Israel," the Israeli army noted.

Earlier on Sunday, Hamas vowed that Israel would "pay a heavy price" for an explosion in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday that killed six members of the group's militant wing.

The incidents came amid escalating tensions along the security fence between Gaza and Israel over the past weeks, where Palestinians hold weekly protests, known as the "Great March of Return."

Since the beginning of the protests on March 30, 45 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the clashes.