Israel Defense Forces claimed direct hits Monday with two rocket strikes in the Gaza Strip, retaliatory moves that came just hours after suspected Hamas forces fired at Israel.
The Times of Israel reported that Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile batteries shot down one rocket from Gaza that was streaming toward the coastal city of Ashkelon. The second rocket that came from the Gaza Strip fell in an open field without causing any damage.
IDF retaliated and shot two rocket launchers into the Gaza Strip, but injuries aren’t yet known. Palestinians, meanwhile, insist nobody was injured, and nothing was damaged from the Israeli strikes, The Times of Israel reported.
The IDF blamed Hamas for the attack and said retaliation was necessary.
“This targeted strike, based on IDF intelligence and advanced air force capabilities, is an immediate response to the terrorist aggression and its infrastructure in Gaza,” Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman, said after the attacks in The Times of Israel. “Hamas must take responsibility for these actions or pay the price for inaction. We will continue to safeguard the civilians of the State of Israel and prevent future attempts of terrorism formulating in the Gaza Strip.”
The exchange of fire comes on the heels of months of calm between Israel’s military and forces in the Gaza Strip.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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