Edited by TJV News
The Israeli Air Force struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after two rockets were fired towards southern Israel on Friday night, just days after Hamas warned against Jerusalem’s intentions to annex parts of the West Bank and Jordan Valley, according to a JPost report.
Rocket warning sirens sounded in communities near the Gaza Strip, sending thousands of residents to bomb shelters as they were celebrating the Shabbat evening meal, according to a Times of Israel report.
TOI also reported that one rocket landed in an open area in the Sha’ar Hanegev region, while the second apparently fell within the Strip.
The IDF said in a statement that it had carried out airstrikes in response to the rocket fire.
“A short while ago, IDF fighter jets targeted Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip,” the IDF said in a statement.
“During the strike, a rocket manufacturing workshop and a weapons manufacturing facility belonging to the Hamas terror organization were struck. This strike will impede the Hamas terror organization’s future abilities,” the statement said. “The IDF views any kind of terror activity aimed at Israel with great severity and will continue operating as necessary against attempts to harm Israeli civilians.”
The IDF said it holds Hamas responsible for all events in the Strip and emanating from the territory, and that the terror group would “bear the consequences” for attacks against Israel.
Palestinian media reported IDF strikes in the southern and central areas of the Strip.
TOI reported that the activation of the sirens came a day after the Hamas terror group, which rules Gaza, warned that Israel’s potential annexation of West Bank lands next week would be a “declaration of war.”
