Israel warns Hamas of further escalation if firing continues

Israel warned Hamas on Wednesday evening that it will "react strongly" if the abrupt series of fire incidents near the border would continue, local media reported.

Citing Israeli officials, the Hebrew news site Ynet said the warning message was transferred to Hamas through Egypt, the Palestinian National Authority, and UN representatives.

It came after Gaza militants fired at least five mortar rounds towards Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border throughout Wednesday.

A military spokesperson said the mortars targeted at forces during "operational activity" near the border. Israeli media estimated that this activity, aimed at uncovering Hamas cross-border tunnel, triggered the recent mortar fire.

In the wake of the fire, Israel launched several attacks, first firing artillery shells towards northern and southern Gaza and then an airstrike, which according to Palestinian media injured at least one person.

During the day, Israeli tanks bombed agricultural area near the border and shelled two watchtowers allegedly used by Hamas' military wing of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

A military spokesperson said all of the strikes were aimed at "Hamas targets."

Peter Lerner, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said the army "holds Hamas responsible and accountable for all attacks originating from the Gaza Strip." He said the activity near the border will continue.

Israel and Hamas fought a 51-day offensive in the summer of 2014, claiming the lives of at least 2,251 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 72 Israelis, all but six being soldiers.

Since then, occasional rocket fire has hit southern Israel in sporadic attacks, usually without injuries or damage. The Israeli Air Force retaliated several times by attacking targets in the Gaza Strip, resulting in several casualties. Endit