Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said Monday they had reached a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel to end more than three weeks of cross-border attacks.

In the latest escalation, Israel has bombed Gaza almost daily since August 6 in response to airborne incendiary devices and, less frequently, rockets launched across the border.

The fire bombs -- crude devices fitted to balloons, inflated condoms or plastic bags -- have triggered more than 400 blazes and damaged swathes of farmland in southern Israel, according to the fire brigade.

An Egyptian delegation had been shuttling between the two sides to try to broker the renewal of an informal truce under which Israel committed to ease its 13-year-old blockade of Gaza in return for calm on the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-uae-flight-may-start-historic-mideast-journey-kushner-324240">Also read|&nbsp;Israel-UAE flight may start 'historic' Mideast journey: Kushner</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

The delegation was joined by Emadi, who also held talks with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv.

In a statement, he praised the Hamas leadership for reaching a deal in light of the "difficult conditions of Gaza's inhabitants, especially in view of the spread of the coronavirus".

A Hamas source told AFP there had been "a total halt" to balloon and other attacks against Israel, in agreement with other factions in the coastal strip, home to some two million people.

"Fuel supplies will return and the power station will be restarted from Tuesday," the source said.

A punitive Israeli-imposed ban on fuel deliveries cut electricity to just four hours a day, supplied from the Israeli grid.

Crossing to reopen

COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, said in a statement that after "efforts to calm the situation", it would "resume the routine activity of the Kerem Shalom Crossing, including the entry of fuel products", starting Tuesday.

"In addition, the fishing zone of the Gaza Strip will be expanded to 15 nautical miles," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-scraps-israel-economic-boycott-after-us-brokered-deal-323997">Also read|&nbsp;UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal</a>

But, COGAT warned: "If Hamas, which is accountable for all actions that are taken in the Gaza Strip, fails to stand (by) its obligations, Israel will act accordingly."

The Hamas source added that work would be allowed to start on the construction of a new power line, while a $30 million Qatari aid tranche for Gaza would be expanded to $35 million, with the difference used to cover public servants' salaries.

Financial aid from gas-rich Qatar has been a major component of a truce first agreed more than a year ago and renewed several times since.

The fire balloons launched in recent weeks were widely seen as an attempt by Hamas to improve the terms of the informal deal.

Sources close to Hamas had said it also wanted other measures to ease living conditions in the territory, including the extension of an industrial zone in the east and an increase in the number of Israeli work permits issued to Gazans once anti-coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.

But disagreements over implementation have fuelled repeated flare-ups with the Islamist group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007.

Such flare-ups escalated into full-blown conflicts in 2008, 2012 and 2014, and mediators have been working to prevent a new war.

Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said Monday they had reached a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel to end more than three weeks of cross-border attacks. In the latest escalation, Israel has bombed Gaza almost daily since August 6 in response to airborne incendiary devices and, less frequently, rockets launched across the border.

Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said Monday they had reached a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel to end more than three weeks of cross-border attacks. In the latest escalation, Israel has bombed Gaza almost daily since August 6 in response to airborne incendiary devices and, less frequently, rockets launched across the border. The fire bombs -- crude devices fitted to balloons, inflated condoms or plastic bags -- have triggered more than 400 blazes and damaged swathes of farmland in southern Israel, according to the fire brigade. An Egyptian delegation had been shuttling between the two sides to try to broker the renewal of an informal truce under which Israel committed to ease its 13-year-old blockade of Gaza in return for calm on the border. Also read| Israel-UAE flight may start 'historic' Mideast journey: Kushner The delegation was joined by Emadi, who also held talks with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv. In a statement, he praised the Hamas leadership for reaching a deal in light of the "difficult conditions of Gaza's inhabitants, especially in view of the spread of the coronavirus". A Hamas source told AFP there had been "a total halt" to balloon and other attacks against Israel, in agreement with other factions in the coastal strip, home to some two million people. "Fuel supplies will return and the power station will be restarted from Tuesday," the source said. A punitive Israeli-imposed ban on fuel deliveries cut electricity to just four hours a day, supplied from the Israeli grid. Crossing to reopen COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, said in a statement that after "efforts to calm the situation", it would "resume the routine activity of the Kerem Shalom Crossing, including the entry of fuel products", starting Tuesday. "In addition, the fishing zone of the Gaza Strip will be expanded to 15 nautical miles," it said. Also read| UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal But, COGAT warned: "If Hamas, which is accountable for all actions that are taken in the Gaza Strip, fails to stand (by) its obligations, Israel will act accordingly." The Hamas source added that work would be allowed to start on the construction of a new power line, while a $30 million Qatari aid tranche for Gaza would be expanded to $35 million, with the difference used to cover public servants' salaries. Financial aid from gas-rich Qatar has been a major component of a truce first agreed more than a year ago and renewed several times since. The fire balloons launched in recent weeks were widely seen as an attempt by Hamas to improve the terms of the informal deal. Sources close to Hamas had said it also wanted other measures to ease living conditions in the territory, including the extension of an industrial zone in the east and an increase in the number of Israeli work permits issued to Gazans once anti-coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. But disagreements over implementation have fuelled repeated flare-ups with the Islamist group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Such flare-ups escalated into full-blown conflicts in 2008, 2012 and 2014, and mediators have been working to prevent a new war.

Hamas and Israel strike deal to end Gaza escalation

Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said Monday they had reached a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel to end more than three weeks of cross-border attacks.

Hamas says deal reached to end escalation of violence with Israel

Israel and Hamas agree to ease hostiles

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border.

"Tanks targeted a number of military observation posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," an army statement said in English, referring to the Islamist group that rules the enclave.

The army said that in addition to cross-border attacks with explosives and incendiary devices suspended from balloons, dozens of people had also "instigated riots along the Gaza Strip security fence" on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the tank fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-israeli-strikes-on-gaza-over-balloon-bombs-rockets-320895">Also read:Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza over balloon bombs, rockets</a>

The latest incidents follow a week of heightened tensions, including border clashes, during which Israel has also closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and Sunday shut down Gaza's permitted coastal fishing zone.

Israeli fire services in the border areas reported 28 outdoor fires on Sunday, and farmers said that extensive damage was caused to an avocado orchard.&nbsp;

A fires services statement on Sunday evening said that since August 6 its investigators had identified 149 fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary balloons from Gaza.&nbsp;

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On Saturday evening Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," an Israeli army statement said.&nbsp;

That was followed on Sunday by Israeli air strikes on Hamas, including what a military statement called "a military compound used to store rocket ammunition".&nbsp;

Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons.

The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Palestinian anger has flared since Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday agreed to normalise relations, a move many Palestinians saw as a betrayal of their cause by the Gulf country.

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border.

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border. "Tanks targeted a number of military observation posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," an army statement said in English, referring to the Islamist group that rules the enclave. The army said that in addition to cross-border attacks with explosives and incendiary devices suspended from balloons, dozens of people had also "instigated riots along the Gaza Strip security fence" on Sunday evening. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the tank fire. Also read:Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza over balloon bombs, rockets The latest incidents follow a week of heightened tensions, including border clashes, during which Israel has also closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and Sunday shut down Gaza's permitted coastal fishing zone. Israeli fire services in the border areas reported 28 outdoor fires on Sunday, and farmers said that extensive damage was caused to an avocado orchard. A fires services statement on Sunday evening said that since August 6 its investigators had identified 149 fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary balloons from Gaza. × On Saturday evening Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," an Israeli army statement said. That was followed on Sunday by Israeli air strikes on Hamas, including what a military statement called "a military compound used to store rocket ammunition". Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons. The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Palestinian anger has flared since Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday agreed to normalise relations, a move many Palestinians saw as a betrayal of their cause by the Gulf country.

Israeli tanks hit Gaza over 'riots' and balloon bombs

The Israeli army said Sunday it carried out fresh air strikes against Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip in response to rocket attacks and firebombs sent into Israeli territory attached to balloons.

The strikes come after clashes broke out Saturday evening along the Gaza-Israeli border, the army said.

Dozens of Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-militant-sites-after-incendiary-balloons-320132">Also read:&nbsp;Israel strikes Gaza militant sites after incendiary balloons</a>

Over the past week Israeli forces have carried out repeated night-time strikes on targets linked to the Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

The army says they are in response to the use of makeshift firebombs, attached to balloons and kites, which have been sent into parts of southern Israel, causing thousands of fires in Israeli farms and communities.

There were 19 such Palestinian attacks on Saturday alone, according to Israeli rescue services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hails-uae-deal-but-palestinians-and-settlers-dismayed-320395">Also read:&nbsp;Israel hails UAE deal but Palestinians, and settlers, dismayed</a>

In response "IDF fighter jets and aircraft struck a number of Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip," the army said in its statement, adding that among the targets hit were "a military compound and underground infrastructure" belonging to Hamas.

Early Sunday the IDF also said that two rockets had been fired into Israel from Gaza and intercepted by its Iron Dome defence system.

"In response, our Air Force just struck Hamas terror targets in Gaza, including a military compound used to store rocket ammunition," it said.

Israel has closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and reduced the territory's permitted Mediterranean coastal fishing zone in response to the recent balloon launches.

Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons.

The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Hamas "is responsible for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip and emanating from it, and will bear the consequences for terror activity against Israeli civilians," the IDF said in its statement Saturday.

The Israeli army said Sunday it carried out fresh air strikes against Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip in response to rocket attacks and firebombs sent into Israeli territory attached to balloons.

The Israeli army said Sunday it carried out fresh air strikes against Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip in response to rocket attacks and firebombs sent into Israeli territory attached to balloons. The strikes come after clashes broke out Saturday evening along the Gaza-Israeli border, the army said. Dozens of Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Also read: Israel strikes Gaza militant sites after incendiary balloons Over the past week Israeli forces have carried out repeated night-time strikes on targets linked to the Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. The army says they are in response to the use of makeshift firebombs, attached to balloons and kites, which have been sent into parts of southern Israel, causing thousands of fires in Israeli farms and communities. There were 19 such Palestinian attacks on Saturday alone, according to Israeli rescue services. Also read: Israel hails UAE deal but Palestinians, and settlers, dismayed In response "IDF fighter jets and aircraft struck a number of Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip," the army said in its statement, adding that among the targets hit were "a military compound and underground infrastructure" belonging to Hamas. Early Sunday the IDF also said that two rockets had been fired into Israel from Gaza and intercepted by its Iron Dome defence system. "In response, our Air Force just struck Hamas terror targets in Gaza, including a military compound used to store rocket ammunition," it said. Israel has closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and reduced the territory's permitted Mediterranean coastal fishing zone in response to the recent balloon launches. Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons. The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Hamas "is responsible for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip and emanating from it, and will bear the consequences for terror activity against Israeli civilians," the IDF said in its statement Saturday.

Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza over balloon bombs, rockets

The Israeli army said it struck targets belonging to Hamas in retaliation for a rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday night.

Israel’s two-front conflict | Israel intercepts Hamas rocket from Gaza | Wion

Palestinian Islamist militant group and ruler of the Gaza Strip Hamas call for the necessity of a "comprehensive resistance" and "armed struggle" to confront Israel's plans to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank, during a press conference of Palestinian factions and "national forces"

Hamas calls for 'armed struggle' to confront Israeli annexation

There is a new chapter in the enmity between Hamas and Israel. Allegedly, Hamas tried to spy on Israeli soldiers using fake profiles on a dating app.

Gravitas: Hamas uses 'honey trap' to spy on Israeli soldiers

The enmity between Israel and the militant group - Hamas dates back to decades - they refer to each other as mortal enemies.

In the last 20 years or so, the two sides have fired rockets at each other. There have been airstrikes, they have also killed each other's men. It's 2020 now, and the two sides have moved the war online.

Their latest choice of ammunition&nbsp;is the bullet of attraction - Romeo and Juliet fell for it, as did Mr Darcy. So, the Israeli soldiers and Hamas tried to lure each other into leaking out information.

The Israeli military has accused Hamas of catfishing. It said that Hamas tried to access the phones of Israeli soldiers by honey-trapping&nbsp;them.

Hamas militants posed as Israeli women seeking romance, who would only communicate via texts.

If the soldiers proposed a phone or video call, the women would claim that they have a hearing impairment or speech impediments.

After a couple of texts, the soldiers would be lured into downloading a link which was supposed to enable picture sharing.

In reality, it would download malware. The virus would give hackers access to phone data, including the phone's location and stored media.

The hackers could also remotely manipulate the phone and turn it into a recording device.&nbsp;

However, Hamas made a mistake of reusing a fake identity, one that Israel had identified in one of the previous cyber-attacks.

Which means this isn't the first time the militant group from Gaza was trying to honey trap Israeli soldiers. It's happened twice in the past.

But this time, they have even targetted IDF soldiers serving beyond the Gaza border area. What is also different this time is the medium.

In the past, Hamas has used Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Telegram was the weapon of choice for the latest cyberattack.

According to reports, over 100 Israeli soldiers fell prey to their honey-trap. The Israeli defence forces, however, say that Hamas could cause no real damage.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, but over the past year, the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

 
&nbsp;

The enmity between Israel and the militant group - Hamas dates back to decades - they refer to each other as mortal enemies. In the last 20 years or so, the two sides have fired rockets at each other.

The enmity between Israel and the militant group - Hamas dates back to decades - they refer to each other as mortal enemies. In the last 20 years or so, the two sides have fired rockets at each other. There have been airstrikes, they have also killed each other's men. It's 2020 now, and the two sides have moved the war online. Their latest choice of ammunition is the bullet of attraction - Romeo and Juliet fell for it, as did Mr Darcy. So, the Israeli soldiers and Hamas tried to lure each other into leaking out information. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of catfishing. It said that Hamas tried to access the phones of Israeli soldiers by honey-trapping them. Hamas militants posed as Israeli women seeking romance, who would only communicate via texts. If the soldiers proposed a phone or video call, the women would claim that they have a hearing impairment or speech impediments. After a couple of texts, the soldiers would be lured into downloading a link which was supposed to enable picture sharing. In reality, it would download malware. The virus would give hackers access to phone data, including the phone's location and stored media. The hackers could also remotely manipulate the phone and turn it into a recording device. However, Hamas made a mistake of reusing a fake identity, one that Israel had identified in one of the previous cyber-attacks. Which means this isn't the first time the militant group from Gaza was trying to honey trap Israeli soldiers. It's happened twice in the past. But this time, they have even targetted IDF soldiers serving beyond the Gaza border area. What is also different this time is the medium. In the past, Hamas has used Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Telegram was the weapon of choice for the latest cyberattack. According to reports, over 100 Israeli soldiers fell prey to their honey-trap. The Israeli defence forces, however, say that Hamas could cause no real damage. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, but over the past year, the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

How Israeli soldiers were caught in Hamas 'honey trap'

Israeli warplanes hit the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas on Saturday after cross-border mortar fire by Palestinian militants, the Israeli army said.

Fighter aircraft hit "Hamas terror targets in the northern Gaza Strip," an army statement said.

"Among the targets were weapon storage facilities and an underground infrastructure used by the Hamas terror organisation," the English-language statement said.

There were no reports of casualties.

The strikes followed successive rounds of cross-border fire from Gaza on Friday and the launch of balloons fitted with incendiary devices into southern Israel.

Israel retaliated to Friday's first volley with tank fire on what an army statement called a "Hamas military post" in southern Gaza.

The latest uptick of violence came after US President Donald Trump enraged Palestinians with a controversial peace plan which would allow Israel to annex swathes of territory in the occupied West Bank.

But it has so far been on nothing like the scale of flare-ups last year.

Israel carried out airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, but over the past year, the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

Israeli warplanes hit the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas on Saturday after cross-border mortar fire by Palestinian militants, the Israeli army said. Fighter aircraft hit "Hamas terror targets in the northern Gaza Strip," an army statement said.

Israeli warplanes hit the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas on Saturday after cross-border mortar fire by Palestinian militants, the Israeli army said. Fighter aircraft hit "Hamas terror targets in the northern Gaza Strip," an army statement said. "Among the targets were weapon storage facilities and an underground infrastructure used by the Hamas terror organisation," the English-language statement said. There were no reports of casualties. The strikes followed successive rounds of cross-border fire from Gaza on Friday and the launch of balloons fitted with incendiary devices into southern Israel. Israel retaliated to Friday's first volley with tank fire on what an army statement called a "Hamas military post" in southern Gaza. The latest uptick of violence came after US President Donald Trump enraged Palestinians with a controversial peace plan which would allow Israel to annex swathes of territory in the occupied West Bank. But it has so far been on nothing like the scale of flare-ups last year. Israel carried out airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, but over the past year, the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas in Gaza after border fire

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-will-continue-to-strengthen-deep-friendship-with-india-277448">Israeli</a> aircraft struck Hamas targets in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-gaza-after-rocket-attack-270314">Gaza</a> Strip early Friday in response to new rocket fire from the blockaded territory, the army said.

Three rockets were fired at&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;overnight without causing any casualties. Two were intercepted by air defences, a statement said.

Israel&nbsp;swiftly retaliated against Hamas, the Islamist movement which rules Gaza and which&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;generally holds responsible for all rocket fire from the territory, regardless of who launches it.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-gaza-after-rocket-attack-270314">Israel launches air strikes on Gaza after rocket attack</a>

The military struck "Hamas targets in the south of the Gaza Strip", the army said.

Israel&nbsp;has deployed additional troops to the Gaza border area since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial new peace plan on Tuesday that was angrily rejected by the Palestinians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-israels-iron-dome-missile-defence-system-blunts-rockets-from-gaza-261860#israel-employs-the-iron-dome-261829">How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system blunts rockets from Gaza</a>

One rocket was fired from Gaza on Wednesday evening, again drawing retaliatory strikes against Hamas targets in the south of Gaza.

Hamas has over the past year gradually shaped an informal truce with&nbsp;Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm.

But&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;in November assassinated a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad militant group in Gaza, sparking a flare-up in which 36 Palestinians were killed. No Israelis died.

Over two days, Islamic Jihad fired some 450 rockets towards&nbsp;Israel, which unusually largely confined its reprisals to Hamas's more radical ally.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Friday in response to new rocket fire from the blockaded territory, the army said. Three rockets were fired at Israel overnight without causing any casualties.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Friday in response to new rocket fire from the blockaded territory, the army said. Three rockets were fired at Israel overnight without causing any casualties. Two were intercepted by air defences, a statement said. Israel swiftly retaliated against Hamas, the Islamist movement which rules Gaza and which Israel generally holds responsible for all rocket fire from the territory, regardless of who launches it. Also read: Israel launches air strikes on Gaza after rocket attack The military struck "Hamas targets in the south of the Gaza Strip", the army said. Israel has deployed additional troops to the Gaza border area since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial new peace plan on Tuesday that was angrily rejected by the Palestinians. Also read: How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system blunts rockets from Gaza One rocket was fired from Gaza on Wednesday evening, again drawing retaliatory strikes against Hamas targets in the south of Gaza. Hamas has over the past year gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm. But Israel in November assassinated a senior leader of the Islamic Jihad militant group in Gaza, sparking a flare-up in which 36 Palestinians were killed. No Israelis died. Over two days, Islamic Jihad fired some 450 rockets towards Israel, which unusually largely confined its reprisals to Hamas's more radical ally.

Israel strikes Hamas targets after new Gaza rocket fire

Israeli jets <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-in-gaza-after-rocket-attack-266911">decimated</a> Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening.

"A short while ago, IDF aircraft attacked underground infrastructure and a naval target belonging to the Hamas terror group in the southern Gaza Strip, as well as a military installation belonging to the terror group in the north of the Strip," The Times of Israel quoted the military as saying in a statement.

It also cited news outlets in Gaza as reporting that the strikes targeted Hamas posts throughout the enclave, from the area around Rafah in the south to near Beit Lahia in the north.

The Jerusalem Post in its report said the rocket fire on Thursday came hours after Israeli jets struck a Hamas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-military-targets-in-overnight-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-fire-army-264788">weapons production</a> facility in the coastal enclave following a rocket fired towards the college town of Sderot around 2:30 AM.

The IDF in its statement stressed that "terror group Hamas is responsible for what occurs in the Gaza Strip and what emanates from it, and that it will bear the consequences of actions against Israeli citizens."&nbsp;

Israeli jets decimated Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening.

Israeli jets decimated Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening. "A short while ago, IDF aircraft attacked underground infrastructure and a naval target belonging to the Hamas terror group in the southern Gaza Strip, as well as a military installation belonging to the terror group in the north of the Strip," The Times of Israel quoted the military as saying in a statement. It also cited news outlets in Gaza as reporting that the strikes targeted Hamas posts throughout the enclave, from the area around Rafah in the south to near Beit Lahia in the north. The Jerusalem Post in its report said the rocket fire on Thursday came hours after Israeli jets struck a Hamas weapons production facility in the coastal enclave following a rocket fired towards the college town of Sderot around 2:30 AM. The IDF in its statement stressed that "terror group Hamas is responsible for what occurs in the Gaza Strip and what emanates from it, and that it will bear the consequences of actions against Israeli citizens."

Israeli jets strike Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip

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Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week.

A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave.

The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences.

Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory.

It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander.

That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions.

Fragile ceasefire&nbsp;

Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them.

It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads.

After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed.

But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect.

The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008.

Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza.

Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting".

"Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began. Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week. A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave. The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences. Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory. It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander. That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions. Fragile ceasefire Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them. It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads. After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed. But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect. The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008. Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza. Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year. On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting". "Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket fire

Iran's supreme leader said Friday that calls for the abolition of Israel which have sparked outrage in the West target the "imposed state" not the Jewish people.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the future of the land should be decided by Palestinians of all faiths, Jewish as well as Christian and Muslim.

"The 'abolition of the Israeli regime' ... does not mean the abolition of Jewish people; we have no problem with them," Khamenei told a meeting of Islamic countries in Tehran, according to his official website.

It means "abolition of the imposed regime and state, that the Palestinian people, whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish... choose their own government and oust thugs like (Benjamin) Netanyahu," he added, referring to Israel's prime minister.

The Iranian government does not recognise Israel, referring to it as the "Zionist regime", and support for the Palestinian cause has been a constant feature of its foreign policy since the Islamic revolution of 1979.

Iran openly supports Israeli foes like Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the occupied Palestinian territories and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"We are not anti-semitic. Jews are living in utmost safety in our country. We only support the people of Palestine and their independence," he said.

Khamenei said that the "enemies of Islam," including Israel and the United States, seek to sow discord between Islamic countries and called for unity in the face of the "common enemy".

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal last year and reimposed crippling sanctions as part of a policy of "maximum pressure".

Since then the arch-foes have come to the brink of military confrontation after drones were downed and tankers and Saudi oil installations mysteriously attacked.

Iran's supreme leader said Friday that calls for the abolition of Israel which have sparked outrage in the West target the "imposed state" not the Jewish people.

Iran's supreme leader said Friday that calls for the abolition of Israel which have sparked outrage in the West target the "imposed state" not the Jewish people. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the future of the land should be decided by Palestinians of all faiths, Jewish as well as Christian and Muslim. "The 'abolition of the Israeli regime' ... does not mean the abolition of Jewish people; we have no problem with them," Khamenei told a meeting of Islamic countries in Tehran, according to his official website. It means "abolition of the imposed regime and state, that the Palestinian people, whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish... choose their own government and oust thugs like (Benjamin) Netanyahu," he added, referring to Israel's prime minister. The Iranian government does not recognise Israel, referring to it as the "Zionist regime", and support for the Palestinian cause has been a constant feature of its foreign policy since the Islamic revolution of 1979. Iran openly supports Israeli foes like Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the occupied Palestinian territories and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "We are not anti-semitic. Jews are living in utmost safety in our country. We only support the people of Palestine and their independence," he said. Khamenei said that the "enemies of Islam," including Israel and the United States, seek to sow discord between Islamic countries and called for unity in the face of the "common enemy". Tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal last year and reimposed crippling sanctions as part of a policy of "maximum pressure". Since then the arch-foes have come to the brink of military confrontation after drones were downed and tankers and Saudi oil installations mysteriously attacked.

Khamenei says Iran wants removal of Israel state not people

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-retaliates-as-200-rockets-fired-by-gaza-militant-10-people-killed-261693"> Israel launched airstrikes&nbsp;on Gaza </a>early on Wednesday morning.

Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537"> Abu Al-Atta in Gaza</a> belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike.

Watch Video:

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The death toll as a result of the strikes has now climbed to 12, several Israeli's were wounded after militants fired rockets, with some reaching Tel Aviv.

Israel carried out a series of strikes early on Wednesday as citizens ran for cover. &nbsp;Israeli military said Palestinian militants fired about 200 rockets into Israel throughout the day in retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to defend ourselves, adding,"this could take time."

Meanwhile, the US-backed the Israeli strikes in Gaza.

"Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand w(ith) our friend &amp; ally Israel," US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said. 
&nbsp;

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning. Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha Abu Al-Atta in Gaza belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border.

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning. Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha Abu Al-Atta in Gaza belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border. Israeli PM Netanyahu said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike. Watch Video: The death toll as a result of the strikes has now climbed to 12, several Israeli's were wounded after militants fired rockets, with some reaching Tel Aviv. Israel carried out a series of strikes early on Wednesday as citizens ran for cover. Israeli military said Palestinian militants fired about 200 rockets into Israel throughout the day in retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to defend ourselves, adding,"this could take time." Meanwhile, the US-backed the Israeli strikes in Gaza. "Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand w(ith) our friend & ally Israel," US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said.

Death toll in Israeli strikes in Gaza climbs to 12

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

Gaza health officials said the 27-year-old killed was among three men wounded in an airstrike on a militant training camp and that he had died in hospital. It was not immediately clear whether he was a civilian or a gunman.

The Israeli military said that Palestinians fired 10 rockets from Gaza into Israel late on Friday, eight of which were intercepted. Police said one projectile had hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties.

In response, the military said, a series of Israeli strikes targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza.

None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare.

Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said. Gaza health officials said the 27-year-old killed was among three men wounded in an airstrike on a militant training camp and that he had died in hospital. It was not immediately clear whether he was a civilian or a gunman. The Israeli military said that Palestinians fired 10 rockets from Gaza into Israel late on Friday, eight of which were intercepted. Police said one projectile had hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties. In response, the military said, a series of Israeli strikes targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza. None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare. Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian killed, 2 wounded in Israel-Gaza counter strikes

The Israeli army targeted Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to a drone attack from the Palestinian enclave, the military said.

The Israeli strikes late Saturday came after two days of cross-border exchanges of fire in which two Palestinian teenagers were killed.

An Egyptian delegation meanwhile arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as part of efforts to keep alive a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel, a Hamas source said.

The truce was negotiated by Egyptian and UN officials with aid from Qatar to end several severe flare-ups of violence in recent months.

Following a Saturday drone attack, Israeli fighter jets and a drone "struck a number of Hamas military targets, including offensive naval equipment and two military compounds," the army said.

It said it "holds Hamas responsible for all that transpires in the Gaza Strip and emanates from it."

A security source in Gaza said Israeli "warplanes raided four positions" of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, in central and northern Gaza, causing damage but "no injuries."

According to the army, a drone launched from southern Gaza had crossed into Israeli airspace, dropped "what seems to be an explosive device" near the security fence and damaged a military vehicle before returning to Gaza.

An Israeli aircraft targeted the squad that launched the drone, but there were no injuries in that raid.

On Friday, two Palestinian teenagers were killed by Israeli fire during clashes on the Gaza border, while another 46 sustained bullet wounds, according to Gaza's health ministry.

The Israeli army said thousands of Palestinians took part in "especially violent" demonstrations along the border, with some throwing "firebombs and explosive devices" at soldiers.

Hours later, Palestinian militants fired five rockets at southern Israel, hitting open fields, and Israel attacked Hamas positions in response, according to the army.

Also Saturday, Israeli forces apprehended four infiltrators from Gaza, three of them aged just 13.

Palestinians have been holding regular mass protests along the fortified border since March 2018.

The protesters have called on Israel to end its crippling siege of the coastal enclave and demanded the right to return to lands their families fled during the war that accompanied the creation of Israel in 1948.

Israel says any such return would mean its end as a Jewish state and accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of using the protests as cover for attacks.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

There have been concerns about a possible violent escalation in the run-up to Israel's September 17 general election.

The Israeli army targeted Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to a drone attack from the Palestinian enclave, the military said. The Israeli strikes late Saturday came after two days of cross-border exchanges of fire in which two Palestinian teenagers were killed.

The Israeli army targeted Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to a drone attack from the Palestinian enclave, the military said. The Israeli strikes late Saturday came after two days of cross-border exchanges of fire in which two Palestinian teenagers were killed. An Egyptian delegation meanwhile arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as part of efforts to keep alive a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel, a Hamas source said. The truce was negotiated by Egyptian and UN officials with aid from Qatar to end several severe flare-ups of violence in recent months. Following a Saturday drone attack, Israeli fighter jets and a drone "struck a number of Hamas military targets, including offensive naval equipment and two military compounds," the army said. It said it "holds Hamas responsible for all that transpires in the Gaza Strip and emanates from it." A security source in Gaza said Israeli "warplanes raided four positions" of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, in central and northern Gaza, causing damage but "no injuries." According to the army, a drone launched from southern Gaza had crossed into Israeli airspace, dropped "what seems to be an explosive device" near the security fence and damaged a military vehicle before returning to Gaza. An Israeli aircraft targeted the squad that launched the drone, but there were no injuries in that raid. On Friday, two Palestinian teenagers were killed by Israeli fire during clashes on the Gaza border, while another 46 sustained bullet wounds, according to Gaza's health ministry. The Israeli army said thousands of Palestinians took part in "especially violent" demonstrations along the border, with some throwing "firebombs and explosive devices" at soldiers. Hours later, Palestinian militants fired five rockets at southern Israel, hitting open fields, and Israel attacked Hamas positions in response, according to the army. Also Saturday, Israeli forces apprehended four infiltrators from Gaza, three of them aged just 13. Palestinians have been holding regular mass protests along the fortified border since March 2018. The protesters have called on Israel to end its crippling siege of the coastal enclave and demanded the right to return to lands their families fled during the war that accompanied the creation of Israel in 1948. Israel says any such return would mean its end as a Jewish state and accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of using the protests as cover for attacks. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. There have been concerns about a possible violent escalation in the run-up to Israel's September 17 general election.

Israel attacks Gaza targets following drone raid

Living in Gaza is not easy... More than a decade of an Israeli-enforced blockade has brought the tiny coastal enclave on its keens... Tel Aviv sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas took power in 2007... Tel Aviv considers Hamas a terrorist organization and suffered greatly from its terror attacks... Israel says the closure is the only way to safeguard Israel... But the entire populace of Gaza is paying the price of this decision... For the two million people living there, earning a salary is more often a dream than a reality...Youth unemployment is close to 60%... Nearly half of the population relies on humanitarian aid to survive... Leaving Gaza is extremely difficult... Movement of people is highly restricted... And even formal foreign institutional invitations may not be enough to get you out... Many have tried several times - both using official and illegal channels... More than 30,000 Palestinians abandoned Gaza in the last decade and as long as the situation remains the same... Many will keep trying, despite the risks... The illegal way is expensive and dangerous... It can cost up to 3,000 USD per person with neither a guarantee of succeeding nor remaining alive... If citizens of Gaza want to get out legally, they must submit their application to the Israeli security which decides if the case stands or not... It can take weeks to receive an answer, which is very often negative... Corruption within Gaza is an obstacle too... With officers demanding bribes to submit applications... The very few who succeed are afraid to travel back to Gaza to meet their families... There is no guarantee that they will be allowed out again... No wonder the Palestinian coastal enclave is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air jail... But leaving is never a happy choice... The majority of Palestinians who manage to leave Gaza, do so out of necessity... They see it as the only option to actually build a future... But wherever they are, they consider Gaza their home... And their dream is to be able to see it free and prosperous one day...

The West Asia Post: Gaza youth to risk their lives fleeing from dire reality

Explosions hit two police checkpoints in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing three officers and wounding several other Palestinians, the Hamas-run interior ministry said, declaring a state of emergency after the blasts.

Such attacks on Hamas, which has the most powerful armed apparatus in the enclave, were rare.

Interior ministry spokesman, Eyad Al-Bozom, said security forces were making progress in their pursuit of those behind the explosions, but he did not disclose further details.

"The sinful hands that carried out this crime will not escape punishment," said Bozom.

A spokesman for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-aircraft-strikes-gaza-after-palestinian-mortar-fire-246069">Israeli military</a> said he knew of no involvement by Israel in the back-to-back incidents in Gaza city at a time of simmering cross-border confrontations with Hamas, the Palestinian enclave's ruling Islamists.

The first blast destroyed a motorcycle as it passed a police checkpoint, witnesses said. Two police officers were killed and a third Palestinian wounded. It was not immediately clear if the riders were among the casualties.

The second explosion, less than an hour later, killed one officer and wounded several people at a police checkpoint elsewhere in the city, the interior ministry said. The ministry declared a state of emergency throughout Gaza, putting security forces on alert.

Hamas, which took over Gaza in a 2007 civil war with the forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has at times faced internal opposition from more stringent Islamist militants aligned with al Qaeda or Islamic State.

Explosions hit two police checkpoints in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing three officers and wounding several other Palestinians, the Hamas-run interior ministry said, declaring a state of emergency after the blasts.

Explosions hit two police checkpoints in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing three officers and wounding several other Palestinians, the Hamas-run interior ministry said, declaring a state of emergency after the blasts. Such attacks on Hamas, which has the most powerful armed apparatus in the enclave, were rare. Interior ministry spokesman, Eyad Al-Bozom, said security forces were making progress in their pursuit of those behind the explosions, but he did not disclose further details. "The sinful hands that carried out this crime will not escape punishment," said Bozom. A spokesman for the Israeli military said he knew of no involvement by Israel in the back-to-back incidents in Gaza city at a time of simmering cross-border confrontations with Hamas, the Palestinian enclave's ruling Islamists. The first blast destroyed a motorcycle as it passed a police checkpoint, witnesses said. Two police officers were killed and a third Palestinian wounded. It was not immediately clear if the riders were among the casualties. The second explosion, less than an hour later, killed one officer and wounded several people at a police checkpoint elsewhere in the city, the interior ministry said. The ministry declared a state of emergency throughout Gaza, putting security forces on alert. Hamas, which took over Gaza in a 2007 civil war with the forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has at times faced internal opposition from more stringent Islamist militants aligned with al Qaeda or Islamic State.

Explosions hit Gaza police checkpoints, three dead: Officials

Rocket at Music Festival intercepted in Israel. Israel strikes Hamas after the incident

Rocket at Music Festival intercepted

Israeli forces opened fire at a group of Palestinian gunmen as they tried to cross the Gaza border, the military said on Sunday (August 18). Palestinian health officials said three of the men were killed.

Netanyahu's warning to Hamas, ''Israel could call a wide-scale operation in Gaza''

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