According to a statement by the IDF, the retaliatory attacks were in response to incendiary balloons being launched from Gaza into Israel.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 19, 2020
Israel has bombed Gaza for nine consecutive nights in response to the explosive balloons. Many of the attacks have struck citizens' homes in Gaza. Social media posts have highlighted the damaged homes from earlier blasts.
— غزة الآن - Gaza Now (@GNNANOW) August 19, 2020
— R I Robin 🇬🇧 🇧🇩🇨🇺🇵🇸 (@Rakebb786) August 19, 2020
On Tuesday, an Egyptian envoy failed to prevent the escalation between Hamas and Israel.
Last Thursday, Israel also announced that it is limiting Gaza's fishing zone. It agreed last week to temporarily halt its annexation of parts of the West Bank to pursue full diplomatic recognition and relations with the United Arab Emirates.