JERUSALEM (JTA) — A rocket from Gaza was fired into Israel for the first time in six weeks.
The Israel Defense Forces retaliated late on Friday night, using an IDF helicopter to strike a Hamas target in southern Gaza following the rocket attack.
The Code Red rocket alert system did not sound, since the rocket was determined to be landing in an unpopulated area, according to reports.
The launch of the rocket into Israel is believed to be in retaliation for the death of a Palestinian man during weekly protests at the Gaza border. Karam Fayyad, 26, was shot during a demonstration east of Khan Yunis and later die of his wounds. Four others were wounded.
Four Palestinians were killed last Friday during protests.
Also on Friday, 10 balloons carrying an explosive device landed near a kindergarten play yard in Moshav Kfar Maimon near the border with Gaza. Police neutralized the device, which is believed to have been sent from Gaza.
