IAF strikes terror target in Gaza following rocket

Aircraft record direct hit on terror center in southern Gaza after Kassam explodes in Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council; none hurt in rocket attack.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
IAF airstrike Gaza_311 reuters (photo credit: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / Reuters)
IAF airstrike Gaza_311 reuters
(photo credit: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / Reuters)
The Israel Air Force struck a center of terrorist operations in the southern Gaza Strip overnight Tuesday, the IDF Spokesman's Office said in a statement.
IAF aircraft recorded a direct hit of the intended target, which was struck in response to an earlier rocket attack on southern Israel.
RELATED:IDF prepares for Gaza escalation as ceasefire attemptedIsrael holds off on Gaza operation at Egypt's request
Earlier on Tuesday, a Kassam rocket fired into southern Israel from Gaza exploded in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council area. No injuries or damage were reported in the attack.
On Monday afternoon, an IDF force opened fire on a Palestinian terror cell that was planting two explosive devices along the Gaza Strip-Israel border fence.
The IDF Spokesman's Office said fire was opened after the cell was identified planting the bombs, adding that an "accurate strike" was confirmed by the army. The army directed tank fire at the terror cell. Three Palestinians were injured in the IDF response, Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported, citing medical sources in Gaza.
"Terrorist elements exploit their presence near the border fence to plant explosives, and plan attacks and kidnappings on IDF soldiers. This presence poses a threat to Israeli citizens and to security forces that operate in the area," the spokesman added.
Over the weekend, a foreign worker from Thailand suffered slight injuries from a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip that landed in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council area.
Yaakov Lappin contributed to this report.