Israeli fighter jets attacked several targets in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Monday, hours after the Navy’s Iron Dome defense system fired rockets from Hamas-controlled territory.
The Israeli Defense Forces reported three separate rocket launches in late Sunday and early Monday, saying at least two of them were intercepted by the system.
Five Sderot residents sustained minor injuries as they ran toward the shelters when sirens went off Sunday night, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The IDF chief of staff, General Aviv Kohavi, warned that the army “would protect the Gaza border and will not accept any violation of [Israel’s] sovereignty of any kind, ”according to the newspaper.
“We are attacking vigorously for every violation and we will continue to do so, and if they increase, Hamas and the Gaza Strip will pay a high price,” he added.
No Palestinian casualties were reported immediately.
Tensions have risen following last week’s escape from an Israeli prison by six Palestinian inmates, as well as fighting Egypt’s long-term ceasefire efforts following May hostilities. .
On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid called for a new approach to ending fighting with Hamas, describing an international investment plan in Gaza’s infrastructure in exchange for pressure on the terrorist group to stop its attack. military accumulation.
“The policy that Israel has pursued so far has not substantially changed the situation. We need to change direction, “Lapid said during a speech at Reichman University in northern Tel Aviv, adding that his proposal was made in consultation with the United States and other countries.
Meanwhile, IDF reported an attempt to stab a soldier at the Gush Etzion crossroads south of Bethlehem. No wounded soldiers were reported and the assailant was taken to a hospital, officials said.
Hamas is pushing for Israel to end a crippling blockade that has devastated Gaza’s economy, while the Jewish state demands that the group release two captive Israeli civilians and return the remains of two dead soldiers.
With publishing cables