Israel bombs Gaza after riots at separation fence protests
Jerusalem, Aug 29 (EFE).- Israel bombed Gaza early Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the enclave and protests held at the separation fence.
“In response to Hamas terrorists launching arson balloons into Israel & violent riots at the security fence, we just struck Hamas military compound (and) Hamas terrorist tunnel entrance,” the Israel military said in a tweet.
“Hamas employs these tactics to terrorize Israeli civilians. We will defend them.”
On Saturday, the so-called “nighttime rioters” of Gaza organized protests in front of the separation fence with Israel that has blocked the enclave by land, sea, and air since 2007.
The protests ended in violence, with the tire burning and shock grenades that generate rocket-like sounds to create confusion.
The demonstrators also launched incendiary balloons, sparking two minor fires in southern Israel.
The Israeli Army said those tactics were examples of how Hamas continued to use terror and targeting civilians.
The Gaza Health Ministry said 11 Palestinians suffered wounds in clashes with Israeli troops on the border, three by live fire and eight by rubber bullets and shock grenades.
The “night confusion unit,” which organizes border protests, is not linked to Hamas directly.
However, their activities are with the knowledge of the group – which has de facto ruled the enclave since 2007.
Israel holds Hamas responsible for all these incidents that it considers “terrorist acts.”
“The Israeli Army will continue to respond vigorously against the Hamas terrorist attempts,” the military said.
A 12-year-old boy from Gaza also died in the morning due to gunshot wounds he suffered in a similar protest last weekend.
Another person was shot dead and 40 injured in firing by the Israeli Army last Saturday. EFE
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