The Israeli Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted two out of three rockets launched from the Gaza Strip following reports that sirens sounded in the Sha'ar Hanegev and Sdot Negev Regional Councils, the IDF reported.
The attack came after the army launched massive strikes on Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip in response to the shelling of its positions from the area during riots at the border.
Moments ago, shots were fired at IDF troops from the Gaza Strip during the violent riots along the security fence. In response, IDF aircraft and tanks targeted military targets throughout the Gaza Strip. More details to follow
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) July 20, 2018
As a result of the Israeli strikes two Palestinians died in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza health ministry, as hundreds of people were protesting on the border.
The military said that it "views today's attack and the hostile activity orchestrated by Hamas throughout the last months with great severity," adding that "Hamas chose to escalate the security situation and will bear the consequences for its actions."
Tensions on the Israeli border with Gaza had flared up due the Great March of Return rally, which began on March 30, in order to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Israel and protest the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem, which Palestinians consider to be their capital.
