The IDF on Thursday attacked several Hamas observation posts and positions along the Gaza-Israel perimeter fence.
The strikes were carried out as retaliation to a host of recent acts of aggression from the Hamas-ruled enclave, such as flying of incendiary balloons into Israeli territory and shooting at an IDF post earlier Thursday.
Mortar fire landed in an open area in Eshkol Regional Council after rocket sirens blared near the Gaza Strip border, IDF Spokesperson's Unit said on Wednesday.
The IDF also reported it had detected two more rocket launches from the Palestinian-ruled enclave that haven't crossed the border and landed within the Gaza Strip.
Israel carried out several retaliatory airstrikes on Hamas positions in the southern Gaza Strip, including arms manufacturing facilities and underground infrastructure.
IDF officials say that the military holds Hamas responsible for what is happening in and out of the Gaza Strip and it will carry the consequences for any action against Israeli citizens.
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Object wrapped in gift wrap tied to several balloons, suspected to be an explosive device, landing on Israel territory
Earlier Wednesday, an object wrapped in gift wrap tied to several balloons, suspected to be an explosive device, landed in Sdot HaNegev Regional Council near the Gaza Strip.
Military bomb disposal units and police forces arrived at the scene.
There were no reports of casualties or damage to property in the incident.