JERUSALEM, Israel - Gunmen reportedly opened fire in southern Israel Thursday near Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in the fourth of a series of terrorist attacks on the Jewish state, Israel's Channel 10 TV reported.

The multi-pronged attacks have killed seven people and injured as many as 25.

"We are talking about a terror squad that infiltrated into Israel," said Israeli military spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich. "This is a combined terrorist attack against Israelis."

At least nine Israelis were injured when three terrorists opened fire from a sedan on an Egged bus traveling from Beersheva to Eilat on Route 12.

Click play to watch the latest report, followed by comments from CBN News Mideast Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell.

The bus driver continued driving under fire, preventing the gunmen from inflicting more damage.

In addition to civilian passengers, the bus carried soldiers returning from their bases.

Less than an hour after the first attack, terrorists opened fire on a second bus and a car. Early reports indicate that at least five people were killed.

Shortly afterward, terrorists targeted Israel Defense Forces patrolling along the border with Egypt.

There were also firefights between IDF troops and terrorist gunmen in which several soldiers were injured.

The IDF has launched a large-scale manhunt, including surveillance by helicopter.

Security forces set up road blocks in the area and at the entrance to Eilat, Israel's southernmost resort city.

The injured, including two children, were being transported to Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat.

Meanwhile, sources from the Palestinian Authority reported that Hamas has ordered all operatives to evacuate all Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip in expectation of IAF attacks.

Egypt has denied responsibility for Thursday's attacks and offered to assist with investigation.