The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated on Monday that Israel carried out air strikes against terrorists "throughout the Gaza Strip," attacking over 30 targets in response to mortar fire from the enclave. The IDF also announced it had brought reinforcements to the Gaza border, being ready to expand combat against Palestinian militants.
"The Israel Defense Forces also deployed a significant number of additional forces and military equipment [at the border with Gaza]. We are ready to expand our actions against terrorist organizations," IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus said.
The shelling from the Gaza Strip, which triggered the airstrikes, directly hit a bus in Kfar Aza earlier in the day, wounding at least one person, according to Israeli television channels. At the same time, The Jerusalem Post claimed that the vehicle was empty at the time of the strike, but confirmed that a 19-year-old Israeli man was in serious condition because of the attack.
Later, Hamas claimed responsibility for the mortar shelling. According to Israeli ambulance service, at least 7 people were injured during the attack. At the same time, Gaza officials claimed that 5 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli airstrikes, however, the IDF didn't confirm the statement.