Israel has intercepted a
missile fired from the
Gaza Strip with their
Iron Dome aerial defence system and responded with airstrikes against several
Hamas sites.
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has confirmed the attack and claims Hamas was responsible.
In a statement on Twitter they said: “Following the sirens that sounded in the Eshkol Regional Council, one rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory.
“The IDF's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepted the launch.
“Hamas is solely responsible for all events that transpire in the Gaza Strip and emanate from it.
“If Hamas continues relying on terror instead of solving the issues that plague Gazan civilians, it'll continue paying a heavy price that'll increase as necessary.”
In response the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched strikes against several Hamas targets.
The IDF added: “Moments ago, IAF fighter jets targeted 10 terror sites in three military compounds belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip.
“Among the targets were two Hamas munition manufacturing and storage sites & a military compound.
“The strikes were conducted in response to the rockets that were fired and to the various terror activities orchestrated by the Hamas terror organisation over the weekend.
“These terror activities included planting a grenade, hurling explosive devices, attempts to cross the security fence, damaging security infrastructure, and igniting fires in Israeli territory with the use of arson kites and balloons.”
The IDF said the events are a “continuation of Hamas's repeated attempts to turn the area next to the security fence into a violent zone” and conduct terror attacks.
Tensions between Israel and
Palestine have escalated in recent weeks after Donald Trump moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Israel has been harshly criticised for quelling a protest against the US’ decision on May 14.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 60 people died during the protests.
But Israeli media claim a Hamas leader admitted that 50 of the Palestinians killed were members of the group.