(IsraelNN.com) Israeli soldiers and civilians stationed at the Erez Crossing at the northern edge of the Gaza region escaped injury early Thursday morning after a truck blew up on the Gaza side of the checkpoint.

Soldiers opened fire at the truck and two other vehicles that approched the crossing. The bomb-laden truck detonated early due to the gunfire. Alternate reports say the early detonation was caused by a malfunction. 

The terrorist suicide bomber was killed in the explosion, which occurred inside the terminal, but on the Hamas-controlled side.

The huge explosion was heard more than a mile away, and nearby windows broke from the reverberations. Arab terrorists frequently have targeted crossings despite their being the entry port for humanitarian aid.

Officers at the scene told Army Radio that heavy fog enabled the terrorists to approach the crossing undetected, despite heightened security measures at the site.

Air Force Targets Terrorist Vehicle Near Erez
The Israeli Air Force struck a vehicle suspected of being involved in the early morning attack. The vehicle was struck as it was traveling from the Erez area to Gaza City, and Arab sources said there were injuries.

Terrorists and soldiers continued to exchange gunfire Thursday morning near the Erez Crossing.

Islamic Jihad Claims Attack With Fatah
The Islamic Jihad terrorist organization claimed responsibility the attack later Thursday morning, which it said it staged together with Fatah's Al Aksa Brigades terrorist group.

Hamas coordinates attacks carried out from Gaza.

Sufa Crossing Closed After Attack
The Sufa Crossing with Gaza was closed Thursday morning in the wake of a terrorist attack. The Sufa Crossing is another conduit through which humanitarian supplies are shipped to the Arabs of Gaza.