IAF aircraft struck targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Tuesday in response to Palestinian rocket fire, indicating that tit-for-tat attacks between Israel and Gaza-based terrorist groups over the weekend could resume.
Planes registered direct hits on their targets and returned safely to base, the IDF Spokesman's Unit stated.
Palestinians fired two rockets late Tuesday, one of which landed near a home in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council area. The rocket caused some damage, and two local residents suffered shock in the aftermath of the attack.
The second rocket landed in an open field in the Lachish region, causing no damage or injuries.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm citizens and soldiers of the State of Israel, and will continue to act against any terror organization attacking Israel," The IDF Spokesman's Unit stated. "Hamas is responsible [for rocket attacks emanating in the Strip.]"
The IDF activity came after an escalation over the weekend which saw the IAF strike targets in the Gaza Strip, killing five Palestinians in the span of 24 hours.
An Islamist group in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula bordering Israel said on Tuesday it will take revenge against the Jewish state for the IDF strikes. "We, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdes group tell the Jews that the blood of our brothers in Palestine is ours and their revenge is ours... So wait for our painful reply and revenge," the group said in a statement posted on Islamist websites.