The Israeli Air Force struck Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Thursday morning. The strike followed the triggering of an explosive device on the security fence Wednesday, as IDF engineering troops were working in the area.
The military said a Hamas terrorist cell opened machine-gun fire at the IAF aircraft, which triggered the Color Red rocket alert in the Shaar Hanegev and Sdot Negev regional councils.
Several bullets hit a home in Shaar Hanegev but no injuries were reported.
The military confirmed that the aircraft, which was not hit, eliminated the terrorist cell.
Palestinian medical officials said one Hamas gunman was killed and another wounded in the strike.
Both sides are bracing for Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border on Friday – the third round of weekly protests that are scheduled to peak in mid-May, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding, which Palestinians mourn.
