JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli airstrikes hit two weapons manufacturing sites in northern Gaza in response to rockets launched at Israel, the Israeli army said.
The attack on Hamas weapons factories came early Wednesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces reported, with secondary explosions identified afterward.
At least two Kassam rockets fired the previous night at southern Israeli communities damaged homes in a Negev community, the IDF said. Following the air attack, a rocket fired from Gaza struck southern Israel early Wednesday afternoon.
"The IDF will not allow the southern communities of Israel to continue living under constant threat, and will continue to respond with determination to any terror attempt against the citizens of Israel," the IDF said in a statement. "The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip."
Also Wednesday, a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers during an arrest operation in the West Bank city of Nablus.
Ibrahim Sarhan, 22, reportedly was shot in both legs while resisting arrest and died before he reached the hospital. His uncle told Reuters that Sarhan was on his way to early morning prayers.
Seven others were arrested in the pre-dawn raid by the Israeli army.
An explosive device reportedly was thrown at the soldiers during the operation, but none of the troops were hurt.
