Israeli air strikes hit two concealed rocket launchers in the northern Gaza Strip in retaliation for rocket fire from Gaza on southern Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed direct hits on the targeted launchers the morning of Oct. 28, several hours after two rockets were fired at Ashkelon and surrounding communities.
One of the rockets was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system above Ashkelon, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A second landed in an open area near Ashkelon. The Color Red warning siren sounded in the area moments before the rocket struck.
The rocket attacks came hours after Israel released the names of 26 Palestinian prisoners set to be freed Oct. 29 as part of the ongoing peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. Five of the prisoners set to be released are from Gaza.
On Oct. 27, two mortars fired from Gaza landed in Israel near the border fence.
“Hamas must take responsibility for these actions or pay the price for inaction,” IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said in a statement.
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