Israel launches Gaza strike in renewed clash

Israel has launched an air strike against Gaza in a renewed clash sparked by the incendiary balloons that caused fires in South Israel, according to multiple reports.

The Israeli army said on Wednesday local time that it attacked compounds belonging to the militant group Hamas, Al Jazeera reported.

It added that it was “ready for all scenarios,  including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist acts emanating from Gaza.

According to Reuters, the strikes came after the balloons were launched from Gaza, which reportedly caused 20 blazes in open fields in communities near the border.

Prior to the balloons, thousands of Israelis had congregated around the Damascus Gate before heading to the Western Wall, angering Palestinians. The celebration was in honor of Israel’s capture of late Jerusalem.

In response to the attacks, a spokesperson for Hamas told Reuters that Palestinians would continue to pursue “brave resistance and defend their rights and sacred sites” in Jerusalem.

The airstrikes mark the first major flare up since a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza took effect on May 21. The ceasefire marked the end of 11 days of fighting, which started after Hamas launched dozens of rockets into Israel.

The death toll from the 11 days of fighting had killed 12 in Israel, but the death toll in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes had exceeded 200.

It’s also the first major flare up since the Israeli parliament approved a power-sharing agreement led by Naftali Bennett over the weekend, ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year reign in power.