The IDF conducted airstrikes on what it termed as Hamas targets in Gaza on Friday in response to the launching of incendiary balloons towards Israel by militants in the enclave, marking the first incident of its kind in over a year. These hostilities ensued following over a week of occasionally violent Palestinian protests along the fence that separates Gaza and Israel.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that on Friday, Israeli forces caused injuries to at least 28 individuals on the Gaza side of the fence through the use of live fire. These incidents involved the deployment of uncomplicated tools, namely helium balloons that resemble decorations commonly seen at children's birthday parties. These balloons are affixed with explosives or pre-ignited devices.
The group known as Ahfad Al-Nasser, also referred to as the Descendants of al-Nasser, specializes in carrying out explosive balloon attacks. On Fridays, their balloon launches resulted in three fires in Israel, all of which were successfully extinguished.
The IDF retaliated by targeting two Hamas military posts allegedly responsible for launching balloons and another Hamas military post accused of firing shots at Israeli forces. The Israeli military reported no injuries among the IDF.
It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or injured in the Israeli strikes, which the IDF said were carried out by a drone and a tank.
