Israel struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after rockets were fired towards southern communities on Friday night from the coastal enclave. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that some of the targets in the airstrikes included a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip.“The IDF sees gravely the firing of any kind of weapons toward Israeli territory, and will continue to take whatever action is necessary against attempts to harm Israeli civilians,” the military said in a statement. “The Hamas terror organization is responsible for all acts in and emanating from the Gaza Strip and it will bear the consequences of all terror acts carried out against Israeli civilians.” Incoming rocket sirens were activated around 9 p.m. on Friday after a rocket was fired from the Hamas-run Strip. The projectile fell in an open area in the Eshkol Regional Council, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli Air Force struck targets in the Strip. Two hours later, sirens were activated in the southern city of Ashkelon and the kibbutzim of Karmia and Zikim. The military said the sirens went off due to “non-rocket fire,” and according to Palestinian reports, the sirens were activated following anti-aircraft fire towards IAF jets. On Wednesday morning, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett warned that Israel would respond to rocket fire no matter if any damage was caused. “We deem a rocket that does not cause damage to be the same as a rocket that does,” he said. “Those who fire will be hit.” The rocket fire comes after the death of 16 year-old Palestinian Fahed al-Astal, who was shot in the stomach by IDF troops during a protest along the border fence near Khan Younis. Several other people were wounded. According to the military, dozens of Palestinian rioters arrived the border and attempted to sabotage the fence and threw explosives at the IDF troops who responded with riot dispersal means. The protest on Friday took place despite Hamas deciding to cancel the weekly “Great Return March” protests for the third week in a row as part of negotiations to reach a period of sustained calm between Gaza and Israel. The IDF said the circumstances of al-Astal death would be investigated.Source
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