Palestinian militants bombarded Israel with dozens of rockets and mortar shells today while Israeli warplanes struck targets throughout the Gaza Strip in what appeared to be the most intense exchange of fire since the 2014 war. Palestinian officials said at least three people, including two militants, were killed by Israeli fire and nine were wounded. In Israel, the national rescue service said at least seven people were wounded, including a 19-year-old man who was in critical condition.<br />'' <br />''News agency AP reports thst the fighting, which cast doubt over recent understandings brokered by Egypt and UN officials to reduce tensions, was triggered by an undercover Israeli military raid in Gaza the day before. <br />''<br />''<br />''The undercover troops, apparently on a reconnaissance mission, were found several kilometers inside Gaza, setting off a battle that left seven militants, including a Hamas commander, and an Israeli military officer dead.In recent weeks, Egyptian and UN mediators had appeared to make progress in brokering informal understandings aimed at quieting the situation.<br />''<br />