IDF strikes Gaza targets following rockets launched into Israel's South

Shortly before the red alert sirens were sounded, Abu Obadiah, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigade, gave a speech in the Gaza Strip

 Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, September 11, 2021 (photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, September 11, 2021
(photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
IDF fighter jets are seen carrying out airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire, on September 12. (Video credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

The IDF struck multiple targets in the Gaza Strip early Sunday morning in response to rockets being fired into southern Israel on Saturday.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed that fighter planes and helicopters struck Hamas targets, including a military compound with rocket production workshops, a training facility, a weapons storage site and a terror tunnel.

"The IDF will continue to respond strongly to terrorist acts from the Gaza Strip, and considers Hamas responsible for everything happening there," the IDF said in a statement.

Rocket sirens were heard across the Gaza border communities in the South of Israel at 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

The IDF Spokesperson confirmed that one launch was identified from Gaza into Israel and that it was intercepted by the Iron Dome.

Rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, September 11, 2021. (Credit: Dudi Fuld)

No injuries were reported except for one person who was lightly hurt after falling while running to the bomb shelter.

 Palestinians demonstrate and clash with Israeli security forces in support to the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa  in the village of Kafr Qaddoum, west of Nablus in the West Bank on September 10, 2021 (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
Palestinians demonstrate and clash with Israeli security forces in support to the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa in the village of Kafr Qaddoum, west of Nablus in the West Bank on September 10, 2021 (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi gave a statement regarding the incident, reacting by saying that "when there was no response to rocket fire directed at Sderot several weeks ago, when a terrorist who murdered heroic soldier Barel Shmueli roams free in the Gaza Strip, and when terrorists escape prison in Israel, it all means one thing: Hamas and the PIJ do not take over the events, they run them, and decide on the temperature in the area.

"The State of Israel must not allow a situation in which terrorists who try to harm the children of Sderot and the border communities stand on their feet and are not afraid of their fate," Davidi said.

"Bennett and Gantz: Return the peace and feeling of security to the residents of Sderot and the Gaza border communities. "


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The red alert was the second in two days after a rocket was fired into Israel on Friday night in response to the capture of two of the Gilboa Prison fugitives; two more were caught later that night.

Shortly before the red alert sirens were sounded, Abu Obadiah, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigade, gave a speech in the Gaza Strip, praising the six fugitives and saying that "Jenin and its revolutionaries and heroes are not alone." 

"We will not allow the enemy to overpower our people in the camp, and we will carry out our national duty towards them," he continued.

Earlier on Saturday, Hamas released a statement stating that the escape of the prisoners "revived the Palestinian people's hopes that it is only a matter of time until the West Bank 'blows up' in Israel's face." 

Clashes also broke out between IDF soldiers and Palestinian youth near Huwara Checkpoint, south of Nablus, Palestinian news outlet Shehab Agency reported on Saturday evening. Clashes were also reported near the town of Beita, south of Nablus.

Additional riots erupted across the West Bank, and Palestinian media reported that youth were setting rubber tires on fire at the entrance to the West Bank town of Anabta, among other activities, all in support of the escaped prisoners, two of whom have yet to be re-captured.

Local sources claimed that the protestors were gathering in order to "express their anger at what the occupation is doing against the prisoners," Shehab reported.

Demonstrations were also held in the city of Nazareth, where two of the prisoners were caught on Friday evening.

On Saturday night, a pipe bomb was allegedly thrown at a bus at the Jalama checkpoint northeast of the city of Jenin in the West Bank, according to Palestinian reports. PIJ has reportedly taken responsibility for it. It is unclear whether anyone was injured.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.