Israel Announces First Airstrikes in Gaza Strip Since May Ceasefire

The Israeli military said it struck targets in Gaza overnight, in what it described as retaliation for balloons carrying explosives that were released from the territory and caused fires in Israel on June 15.

The strikes marked the first in the Palestinian enclave since a May ceasefire ended an 11-day period of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Israeli strikes left at least 250 dead in Gaza, according to health officials, while at least 12 Israelis died under a hail of rockets fired by militants. The fresh strikes were also the first attacks in the Palestinian enclave under a new Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

In a statement issued overnight, the Israel Defense Forces blamed Hamas for launching the balloons, and said it was “prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities.” This footage shows several strikes overnight in the southern Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis took part in a right-wing nationalist “flag day” march through parts of East Jerusalem, drawing Palestinian protesters. At least 17 Palestinians were arrested, according to Israeli police. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 33 Palestinian protesters were injured in clashes. Credit: Hassan Eslayeh via Storyful