In response to dozens of brush fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza, the IDF overnight Wednesday attacked Hamas targets in the coastal enclave.
An IDF spokesperson said Israeli aircraft targeted a Hamas naval compound, underground infrastructure, and observation posts.
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The army also said in a statement that it "will continue doing whatever is necessary against attempts to harm Israeli citizens." Israeli officials reiterated that Hamas bears responsibility for everything that happens in and comes from Gaza, and will bear the consequences of terrorist actions against the citizens of Israel.
On Tuesday night, too, IDF jets, attack helicopters, and tanks attacked several Hamas targets in Gaza in response to the ongoing cross border arson campaign.
Also Wednesday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz adopted the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories to ramp up the economic pressure on Hamas in an attempt to force the terrorist group to stop launching incendiary objects over the border.
One of the measures approved by Gantz was to prevent fuel from entering Gaza, reversing a decision made on Monday to shut the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing "until further notice" with the exception of humanitarian aid, including food and fuel.
The defense minister also decided to immediately reduce Gaza fishing zones from 15 nautical miles to eight nautical miles, also until further notice.
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"The decision was made in light of the repeated acts of terror from the Gaza Strip against Israeli civilians in recent days, which represent a violation of Israeli sovereignty," the IDF said in a statement.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called the measure to restrict fuel supplies a "grave act of aggression" that "aims to worsen the crisis of our people in the blockaded Strip."
Over the past 72 hours, 45 fires have been caused by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza. According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, around 1,000 dunams (about 250 acres) have been destroyed.
