An explosive device was detonated near Israeli soldiers patrolling along the border with Gaza on Friday, causing damage to their vehicle but no injuries, the Israeli army said.

"An explosive device was activated against Israeli troops who were on routine patrol along the security barrier in central Gaza," a spokeswoman said.

"A military vehicle and the security fence sustained damage," she said.

Palestinian witnesses reported hearing an explosion and shooting coming from an area east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Over the weekend, the Israeli military carried out a series of deadly air strikes on targets in Gaza which killed five militants, among them a top Salafist leader after rockets were fired at southern Israel.

Since then, intermittent rocket fire has sparked several Israeli raids, but noone has been injured.