The IDF struck several Hamas targets in Gaza late Saturday night in retaliation for airborne arson attacks from the Strip, which followed hours of renewed riots along the volatile border.
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"In response to Hamas terrorists launching arson balloons into Israel & violent riots at the security fence, we just struck a Hamas military compound and a Hamas terrorist tunnel entrance," the IDF said in a tweet.
"Hamas employs these tactics for one reason – to terrorize Israeli civilians. We will defend them."
In response to Hamas terrorists launching arson balloons into Israel & violent riots at the security fence, we just struck:
? Hamas military compound
? Hamas terrorist tunnel entranceHamas employs these tactics for 1 reason—to terrorize Israeli civilians. We will defend them.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 28, 2021
Another military statement asserted that "The IDF will continue to respond forcefully against Hamas's terror attempts."
The strike on Hamas targets south of Gaza City followed two fires that were sparked in Israeli communities near the southern border by balloon-borne incendiary devices launched from the coastal enclave.
Hamas has threatened to step up the cross-border arson attacks, as well as the border riots, from Sunday if its demands are not met in full, including with respect to the transfer of Qatari cash.
Hamas' Health Ministry in Gaza said that 11 Palestinians were wounded in border clashes with Israeli troops. According to Palestinian reports, three of those wounded were hit by live fire and are in moderate condition. The other eight are said to have sustained minor injuries from rubber bullets or shock grenades.
The self-proclaimed "night confusion units" provoking most border riots do not officially tie themselves to Hamas, but defense officials widely agree that their activities could not take place without the approval of the terrorist group that rules Gaza.
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