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Israel attacks Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire

Israel’s Air Force responded to the increasing rocket fire from Gaza, the latest attack by Hamas disturbing the Sukkot holiday celebrations.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News

Tens of thousands of Israeli civilians ran for cover Tuesday night when terrorists in Gaza fired a rocket at Israel’s south. This is the third such attack in the past two weeks.

The rocket was intercepted over the city of Ashdod by IDF soldiers operating an Iron Dome anti-rocket battery that was deployed by the Israel Air Force (IAF) several days ago due to the increasing violence in Jerusalem and in anticipation of such attacks.

No injuries or damage from the attack were reported.

This was the 12th rocket from Gaza to hit Israeli territory since January 2015. Several others have been fired at Israel, but fell short of their targets, some landing in Gaza.

The Sheikh Omar Hadid Brigade, a terror group associated with the Islamic State (ISIS) organization, claimed responsibility for the attack.

IAF plane

The IAF in action. (Ofer Zidon/Flash90)

In response, the IAF attacked four terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

“”This evening, the third day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a rocket was fired at Southern Israel sending the residents of Ashdod as well as several surrounding communities to nearby bomb-shelters. Hamas is responsible and will be held accountable for every attack emanating from the Gaza Strip. The IDF will continue defending all Israelis who are repeatedly attacked by such blatant acts of aggression,” the IDF said in a statement.

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Israel holds Hamas responsible for all attacks emanating Gaza, which is under their control, and therefore retaliated against their targets.

The sharp increase in rocket fire from Gaza over recent months has mostly been the work of an ISIS affiliate operating out of Gaza.

This attack came amidst the week-long Sukkot holiday celebrations. The municipalities under the rockets threat announced that all special events will be held as usual and that life will go on undisturbed.