Gaza front escalates as Hamas fires rockets, IDF responds

For the first time in two weeks, Palestinian terror groups fired rockets at communities in southern Israel, triggering a strong Israeli response.   

By: World Israel News Staff

Terrorists from Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip launched at least three missiles at communities in southern Israel on Monday early morning, the IDF spokesman said.

The missile attack was part of a broader conflict with a long chain of attacks and reactions.

The most recent conflagration included an Israeli attack on terrorist targets in Gaza after incendiary kites and balloons were floated at Israel with the purpose of causing wildfires.

A rocket launched by the Hamas never left the strip, rather it landed inside Gaza, the IDF said.

Rocket alerts were activated in a number of locations throughout the south including the Hof Ashkelon region, the Ashkelon industrial zone, Yad Mordechai and Netiv Ha’asara.

No injuries were reported.

Two weeks passed since the last round of fire exchanges, ending a ceasefire.

Commenting on the firing of the rockets and missiles, the IDF spokesman said “These are terrorist acts that endanger Israeli residents living in southern Israel and damage extensive areas in Israeli territory.”

“We have fired warning shots against groups who were responsible for the arson and destruction in Israel, and have carried out attacks against infrastructure used by these groups. The IDF’s intelligence and operational capabilities will allow it to increase these strikes as necessary. We are determined to continue to act with increasing intensity against these acts of terror as long as required, using the variety of tools at its disposal.”