Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip, first since declaration of ceasefire in May

Tensions rose after a march was conducted in East Jerusalem on Tuesday by Israeli nationalists which drew threats of action by Hamas, the ruling militant group in Gaza.

New Delhi: The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in response to the incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian territory into southern Israel, Reuters reported.  This is the first flare-up since the end of 11 days of cross-border fighting in May. Tensions rose after a march was conducted in East Jerusalem on Tuesday by Israeli nationalists which drew threats of action by Hamas, the ruling militant group in Gaza. The Israeli army accepted it attacked Hamas compounds and that it was "ready for all scenarios, including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist acts emanating from Gaza,” the agency reported.