IDF Strikes Gaza After Rocket Fire Breaks Two-Month Lull

A “red alert” air raid siren sounded Friday night in the Gaza-area towns of Zikim, Karmia, Netiv Ha’asara, Mavki’im, and in the southern industrial area of Ashkelon.

The IDF confirmed that one rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel, and added that the rocket was intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array.

There were no injuries reported from the rocket fire.

In a statement, the IDF confirmed: “Overnight, the Hamas terrorist organization launched a rocket from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli civilians in southern Israel. The rocket was intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array.

“A short while ago, in response to the rocket attack, IDF aircraft struck a number of Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

“IDF aircraft targeted a weapons manufacturing site located inside a Hamas military post and an additional three military posts belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for all terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.”

The increase of Gazan entry permits into Israel was suspended following the firing of a rocket into Israel.

The decision by Defense Minister Benny Gantz was made following a security evaluation Motzoei Shabbos.

The coordinator of government activities in Yehuda and Shomron announced earlier in the week that an additional 2,000 entry permits into Israel were going to be granted to Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip for purposes of work and commerce.

“The suspension is in response to the firing of a rocket toward the State of Israel,” COGAT said in a statement, adding that “the Hamas terror organization carries responsibility for all activities directed against Israel in and from the Gaza Strip, and it will bear the consequences.”

The rocket fire comes as tensions remain high as the IDF continues to crack down on potential terrorists as part of its Operation Break the Wave. It took place after three Palestinians were killed in armed clashes with IDF forces in Jenin Friday morning, after which the Jenin branch of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades warned that Israel would “pay a heavy price” for the incident.

Hamas also threatened to retaliate for the deaths, stating on its website that the “cowardly assassinations” will “not go unpunished.”