Israeli warplanes hit Gaza, no casualties

Israeli warplanes struck at least three targets in the Gaza Strip early yesterday but caused no apparent casualties, a Palestinian security source said.

The strikes, which came after Palestinians fired a rocket from the territory at southern Israel late Friday, hit a Hamas observation post in Beit Hanoun, in the occupied Gaza Strip, an unidentified target near Gaza City and open ground near Deir El Balah in the central part of the territory, the source said.

An Israeli occupation force statement mentioned only two strikes, against “underground targets belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the northern and central Gaza Strip.” It did not elaborate. The occupation forces said Friday night’s rocket launch at southern Israel was the first since July 12.

Earlier on Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said that 32 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli live fire.

A military statement said the rocket was intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, after air raid sirens sounded in the southern town of Sderot and its surroundings.

Earlier Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said that 32 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli live fire during weekly protests along the Gaza border.

Demonstrations

An Israeli occupation for spokeswoman said about 5,600 people demonstrated along the border, some throwing hand grenades and explosive devices toward soldiers and attempting to reach the border fence. She said troops responded with “riot dispersal means” but she was unaware of any live fire.

Regular protests along the border began in March 2018. At least 302 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since then, the majority during demonstrations or associated clashes.