JERUSALEM (JTA) — Terrorists from Gaza attempted to infiltrate the Zikim army base in southern Israel.

The terrorists reportedly infiltrated into Israel via the sea, landing on the Zikim beach located near Gaza.

The five terrorists, who Hamas identified as members of its naval commando unit, were killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli soldiers on Tuesday evening, according to the IDF spokespersons unit.

Residents of the Zikim area were asked to stay in their homes during the incident.

The infiltration came amid rocket fire from Gaza on southern and central Israel and in the first day of Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.

Meanwhile,  an abandoned parachute was found near the Yad Mordechai Kibbutz. located close to Ashkelon. Israeli soldiers are combing the area looking for the parachuter, according to reports.