IDF Artillery Corps fire into Gaza during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

This was the first Israel strike on Hamas since the ending of Operation Guardian of the Walls last month.

By TPS

Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighters bombed Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night in response to dozens of arson balloons launched by terrorists from the Strip at Israel.

The IDF stated that it attacked Hamas military complexes that served as camps and meeting places for terrorist operatives in the Khan Yunis and Gaza brigades.

“The terrorist organization Hamas is responsible for what is happening in the Gaza Strip and will bear the consequences of its actions,” the IDF stated.

“The IDF is prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities, in the face of continued terrorist operations from the Gaza Strip,” it added.

This was the first IAF bombing in the Strip since the ending of Operation Guardian of the Walls last month.

Gazan terrorists launched on Tuesday tens of balloons tied to flammable materials and explosive charges into Israeli territory throughout the day, setting some 30 blazes in areas near the Gaza border.

The blazes caused damage but no one was injured in the attacks.

An explosive charge tied to a balloon exploded over a kibbutz in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. A loud explosion was heard in the area and children who were at the playground ran for shelter.

Similarly, Gazans rioted at several points on the border with Israel, burning tires and throwing explosive charges. The IDF responded with crowd control means.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated after the operation in Gaza last month that Israel would not tolerate any aggression from Gaza and would respond forcefully to any attacks.