Israel Fires Back at Hamas After Incendiary Balloon Attack
Three days into the coalition government that replaced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas has attacked Israel with incendiary balloons.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.
The attack by Hamas came weeks after a cease-fire was declared in a high-powered clash that damaged multiple Israeli cities and parts of Gaza.
The balloons were responsible for more than twenty fires, The Times reported.
Another example, this is from yesterday of one or the incendiary balloons launched, rags/fabric are often used as the slow burner after the wick, however sometimes an unknown powder is used. pic.twitter.com/yO4WCmgsKH
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) June 16, 2021
The Israeli Defense Forces in turn said its jets struck military targets in two Palestinian cities.
New Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has taken a tough stance against arson attacks and said Israel should respond to them as it would to rocket launches.
“Terrorist activity took place in the attacked compound,” the IDF said in a statement.
“The IDF is prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities, in the face of continued terror acts from the Gaza Strip.”
Video from one or the strikes this evening shows a secondary launching at 15~ seconds in. Potential rocket/munition targeted at one of Hamas sites this evening. pic.twitter.com/5GcrGxQRDJ
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) June 15, 2021
There were no reports of injuries in Gaza from the airstrikes.
Earlier, Palestinian rioters clashed with Israeli police officers, leaving some rioters and cops injured.
The violence broke out after Israeli officials allowed a march through the Old City of Jerusalem despite threats from Hamas.
The march celebrated the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem by Israel, according to The New York Times.
We warn of the dangerous repercussions that may result from the occupying Power’s intention to allow extremist Israeli settlers to carry out the Flag March in occupied Jerusalem tomorrow, a provocation and aggression against our people/ Jerusalem and its sanctities that must end.
— Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh د. محمد اشتية (@DrShtayyeh) June 14, 2021
“Israel cannot be a hostage of a terrorist organization,” Amos Yadlin, the former head of Israeli military intelligence, said, according to The Times.
“As far as Hamas is concerned, it dictates to Israel what to do in Jerusalem — it must be shown that it did not win here.”
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