An Israel Defense Forces (IAF) unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Hamas military position in the southern Gaza strip on Tuesday evening, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said, in response to a firebombing of an IDF military post that set it alight. The firebomb attack occurred during a riot near Rafah, which the IDF said was a hotspot for border violence.
The Hamas post hit in the drone strike was nearby.
Terrorists had launched incendiary balloons earlier in the day. Emergency services confirmed that terrorist arson was the cause of a brush fire in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. Firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Israeli forces have also been tackling the riots on Tuesday by employing anti-riot measures such as tear gas. Riots and violence have plagued the security barrier between Israel and Gaza for 12 days, as terrorists repeatedly shot at and hurled explosives and firebombs at soldiers.
Palestinian terrorists continue with arson attacks
In response to the attacks, Israel has been striking Hamas military positions. On Friday, one was destroyed by tank fire and another two by drones. Another unmanned post was struck by an IDF drone on Saturday night. On Sunday evening, two more Hamas positions were hit by drones in Bureij and Jabalya, and on Monday a drone strike took down a post from where a gunman shot at troops during a Karni crossing riot.
The situation in Gaza led to a high security alert in Israel and the West Bank during the High Holy Days.
Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai issued orders to the police and Border Police to renew their vigilance during the coming Sukkot holiday. Shabtai said that the silence can be deceiving, and the situation can change in an instant.“We passed Yom Kippur without hostile sabotage attacks thanks to our readiness and preparation together with the IDF and the Shin Bet,” said Shabtai. “Along with this, we are still deep in alert for the Tishrei holidays, with dozens of warnings and intent to commit attacks.”
Israeli security forces have engaged in counterterrorism raids throughout the holiday season, making sweeping arrests and on Saturday night destroying an arsenal of explosives in Nur Shams.
The raids continued over Monday night with the arrest of five terrorism suspects in the West Bank, the IDF said on Tuesday morning.
The IDF, Shin Bet and Border Police arrested four wanted men in Silwad. Another man was seized in Deir Sammit along with a pistol, two magazines, and almost 150 9mm cartridges.
Israeli troops also operated in Al-Bireh, where they had stones thrown at them. The IDF responded with anti-riot measures.