IDF strikes Hamas targets amid ongoing balloon attacks from Gaza

Israel is compensating farmers with fields near the Gaza border who began harvesting their wheat early this year rather than losing entire fields to arson attacks.

By David Jablinowitz, World Israel News

Israeli Air Force helicopters have conducted strikes on two Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, including an observation outpost near Deir el-Balah, the IDF said in a statement on Monday.

The outpost was evacuated minutes earlier and there are no casualties, according to Palestinian media.

“A cluster of balloons carrying an explosive device was launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. In response, IDF helicopters struck two Hamas military posts in Gaza,” said the Israeli military in its statement.

Israel accuses Hamas of encouraging Gazans to step up the launching of incendiary kites and balloons.

Attacks, particularly those carried out at night, have also included the lobbing of other explosive devices across the border, according to Israeli residents.

In addition, confrontations between Palestinians and IDF soldiers continue to take place at weekly Friday “March of Return” protests along the border.

Instead of losing entire wheat fields to the anticipated upcoming balloon and kite arson, Israeli farmers with fields near the border reportedly have started harvesting their wheat early this year.

The wheat is being harvested while still green and will be used for fodder for cows, according to a report in the Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

The farmers will be undertaking a financial loss because selling wheat for fodder gets a lower price than waiting for it to dry out and be sold for human consumption. However, Israel’s Finance Ministry says that it will provide a certain amount of compensation, according to the report.