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Israeli fighter jets strike Gaza in response to incendiary balloons
Updated 17:27, 29-Aug-2021
CGTN
Palestinian protesters burn tyres after a demonstration along the Israeli separation barrier between Israel and the Gaza Strip. /AFP

Palestinian protesters burn tyres after a demonstration along the Israeli separation barrier between Israel and the Gaza Strip. /AFP

Israeli fighter jets late on Saturday attacked posts and facilities belonging to the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said.

The strike was in response to earlier protests that took place near the borderline area between the besieged coastal enclave and Israel, and the launch of incendiary balloons toward Israel, according to the sources.

Witnesses said that the Israeli fighter jets struck several posts and facilities belonging to the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas armed wing in southern, central and northern Gaza Strip.

Paramedics said no injuries were reported, but damages were caused to the targeted posts and facilities.

The Hamas-run al-Aqsa radio in Gaza reported that Hamas militants fired heavy machine guns at the fighter jets.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army spokesman said in a statement that Israeli fighter jets attacked underground tunnels and several facilities of Hamas that manufacture weapons in response to the launch of incendiary balloons towards southern Israel.

Earlier on Saturday, medics said that 11 Palestinian protestors were injured by Israeli soldiers in clashes at the borderline area between eastern Gaza and Israel.

Saturday night's airstrike on the Gaza Strip is the fifth since the end of the last round of tension that lasted for 11 days and ended on May 21, leaving more than 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

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