Israel threatens to intensify strikes over rockets fired from Gaza

Israel threatens to intensify strikes over rockets fired from Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that rockets, drones and balloons launched from the Gaza Strip could intensify strikes against the territory. He stressed that “strong measures” would be taken against such incidents.

According to local media reports, several rockets were found in areas near the Israeli border with Gaza last week. In particular, four rockets were found in the Nahal Oz kibbutz on August 21-22. The Israeli military said that none of them contained explosives or suspicious materials and did not pose a threat.

Katz said that Israel has a “zero tolerance” policy towards such incidents, and that balloons and rockets are considered drones, regardless of whether they contain explosives.

Hamas denied responsibility for the rockets. The group described them as simple toys thrown by children trapped in the rubble, and described Israel's statements as an "excuse" for continuing its attacks on Gaza.

On August 23, Palestinian health authorities reported that two people were killed and seven others were wounded in two strikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp and the town of al-Zawaida in central Gaza. The Israeli military said that one of the strikes killed a commander at a Hamas weapons manufacturing facility.

Earlier, it was reported that the Israeli army had decided to open a criminal case against its soldiers over the death of 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza in 2024. The investigation was launched based on alleged violations of the shooting and the coordination of the ambulance during the incident.