Gaza City – Violence between Israel and militants of the Islamist Hamas movement flared on Saturday after nearly 50 mortar shells from the Gaza Strip landed in southern Israeli communities.
Israeli warplanes and tanks responded, firing missiles and tank shells at four targets belonging to Hamas in the eastern Gaza Strip, Adham Abu Selmeya, Gaza’s emergency chief, told reporters.
Selmeya confirmed that six Palestinian were wounded in the Israeli attack, while Israel Radio reported two Israelis injured. The two main Israelis towns hit in the attack were Sdot Negev and Eshkol.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, claimed responsibility for the renewed shelling.
‘Targeting the enemy’s posts was a response to the ongoing Zionist assaults, airstrikes and tank’s shelling on the Gaza Strip. The latest was two days ago, where two of our mujahidin were killed,’ said the group.
Israeli jets struck four lookout posts belonging to the security forces of the Hamas administration, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since June 2007. Residents in the Strip heard dozens of explosions resulting from the Israeli bombardment.
Several ambulances and rescue teams were seen rushing to the targeted areas between the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip and Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman reacted immediately, asking the Israeli envoy to the UN to file an official complaint to the Security Council.
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