Israel retaliates vs. Gaza

Israeli fighter jets struck several targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday — hours after the military’s Iron Dome defense system shot down rockets launched from the Hamas-controlled territory.

The Israel Defense Forces reported three rocket launches late Sunday and early Monday, saying at least two were intercepted.

Five residents of Sderot, Israel, suffered minor injuries while running to shelters as sirens blared Sunday night, The Jerusalem Post said.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi warned that the army would “protect the Gaza border and will not accept any violation of [Israel’s] sovereignty of any kind.”

“We are vigorously attacking for every violation, and we will continue to do so, and if they escalate, Hamas and the Gaza Strip will pay a heavy price,” he said.

No Palestinian casualties were immediately reported.

Tensions have escalated after six Palestinians escaped an Israeli prison last week and amid struggling efforts by Egypt to broker a cease-fire.

On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid proposed a plan that would bring international investment in Gaza’s infrastructure in exchange for pressure on Hamas to stop its military buildup.