The Israeli Air Force bombed several targets in Gaza Tuesday evening following an increase in rocket and mortar attacks emanating from the Hamas-ruled territory.
Palestinian media reported that a training facility in Rafah operated by Hamas' armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was among the bombed targets. A number of people were injured in the strike.
Tuesday morning saw a Qassam rocket explode near a kindergarten in a kibbutz within the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council just as dozens of parents were bringing their children to school.
A 14-year-old girl was lightly injured by shrapnel and glass fragments. She was evacuated to the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. Several people suffered from shock, including a young boy and a gas-truck driver.
A defense establishment official said Tuesday morning that the recent escalation in the south was not random. "The terror organizations are trying to test the Israeli response to increased rocket fire."
Military sources told Ynet that the escalation was the result of internal Palestinian processes and terror organizations' anniversaries.
The Israel Defense Forces bombed seven targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday night in a bid to convey a firm message that Israel will not ignore the mortar and rocket fire. It was one of the most extensive attacks carried out by the Air Force since the end of Operation Cast Lead about two years ago.
Hanan Greenberg, Roi Kais contributed to the report
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