GAZA, Jan 11 (Reuters/JMCC) - A missile fired by an Israeli aircraft killed a Palestinian militant riding a motorcycle in the Gaza Strip close to the border with Israel on Tuesday, the Islamic Jihad group said, identifying him as one of its members.

An Israeli army spokeswoman could not initially confirm that an air strike had taken place and said she was checking for details.

Islamic Jihad identified the dead militant as Mohammed Najjar, 24, and said he had been wounded in the head in fighting during the three-week Gaza offensive that Israel launched in late 2008. The Islamic Jihad's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, later said that it will avenge the assassination.

Local residents said the air strike took place east of the town of Khan Younis in the central Gaza Strip and wounded another man, who was not immediately identified.

Palestinian militants have stepped up cross-border rocket attacks on southern Israel in recent weeks and Israel has responded with air strikes.

The Gaza Strip's Hamas rulers have said they have been urging other militant factions to cease fire, a call reflecting concern that Israel might mount another offensive in the territory.