IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire
"The State of Israel an attack, or attempted attack, on its citizens and will continue to defend them and its sovereignty sharply and decisively," an IDF statement read.
By AVRAHAM GOLDUpdated: DECEMBER 14, 2017 11:20Remnants from a rocket that struck southern Israel, April 10, 2017(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
The IDF struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in response to earlier rocket fire fired from the enclave, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed.The IDF said the targets were training sites and weapons storage units.Gaza border brief with Seth J. FrantzmanEarlier tonight, three rockets were fired into Israeli territory, as two rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome over the city of Sderot and a third fell in open territory in Eshkol Regional Council, causing no damage or injuries.This was the sixth night in a row with rockets fired at Israel.The IDF confirmed earlier that one of the rockets fired from Gaza landed inside the Strip and hit a school there."The State of Israel an attack, or attempted attack, on its citizens and will continue to defend them and its sovereignty sharply and decisively," the IDF statement read. "The terrorist organization Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, leads the people of Gaza into a life of poverty, destruction and despair, and bears responsibility for the situation."Tensions along Israel's border with the Gaza Strip have been high as of late, after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. His declaration set off riots across the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza.Militant groups in Gaza, including Hamas, have called for a new Palestinian uprising — or intifada — over Trump’s statement.Over a dozen rockets have been fired toward Israeli territory over the past week, and the IDF has retaliated against Hamas targets in the Strip with airstrikes and artillery fire. As policy commands and "in response to the rocket fired from the Gaza Strip at Israel earlier today, the IAF targeted a Hamas military compound in the southern Gaza Strip," read a statement released by IDF Spokesperson Unit.However, Israeli intelligence suggests the recent rocket fire is being carried out by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.