MILITARY STRIKES HAMAS SITES IN GAZA AFTER ROCKET FIRE RESUMES

JERUSALEM The Israeli military struck Hamas militant sites in Gaza early Sunday in response to the resumption of rocket fire toward Israel, which threatened to unravel an informal cease-fire that had held since a flare-up of violence last week.

Israel has also been battling fires caused by kites rigged with incendiary devices, or attached to burning rags, launched by Palestinians in Gaza that have damaged forests and burned southern agricultural fields.

The military said it hit 15 Hamas targets, including military compounds, munition factories and naval forces.

The strikes come after militants broke days of calm along the volatile frontier by firing projectiles toward Israeli communities.

Israel’s Iron Dome defence system intercepted some and others landed inside Gaza. Sirens wailed in southern Israel overnight warning of incoming rockets.

No one was hurt on either side.

MAHMUD HAMS / AFP / GETTY IMAGES Smoke plumes rise in Gaza City after an Israeli air strike in Beit Lahia on Sunday. Israeli aircraft hit more than a dozen targets in Gaza, the army said, after Palestinian projectile fire shattered a ceasefire reached just days prior.