Israeli aircraft struck alleged Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, after incendiary balloons were launched from the Palestinian enclave
These were the first such attacks since a fragile ceasefire was reached after 11 days of deadly fighting last month, according to Israeli media.
The violence poses an early test for the government of new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, whose patchwork coalition came to power on Sunday. Bennett’s new government took office on a pledge to focus on socioeconomic issues and avoid sensitive policy choices towards the Palestinians.
An Egyptian-mediated truce that halted fighting between Israel and Gaza militants did not immediately appear to be threatened by the flare-up, with the overnight Israeli airstrikes giving way to calm by morning. There were no reports of casualties on either side, Reuters reported.
The overnight violence follows a march in East Jerusalem, on Tuesday, by Jewish nationalists that had drawn threats of action by Hamas, the ruling militant group in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s military said its aircraft attacked Hamas armed compounds in Gaza City and the southern town of Khan Younis. It added that it was “ready for all scenarios, including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist acts emanating from Gaza.”
