Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip for a second time since a shaky cease-fire ended last month’s 11-day war. The strikes came late on June 17 after activists mobilized by Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers launched incendiary balloons into Israel for a third straight day. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the strikes, which could be heard from Gaza City. Israel also carried out airstrikes early on June 16, targeting what it is said were Hamas facilities, without killing or wounding anyone. The military said fighter jets struck Hamas “military compounds and a rocket launch site” late on June 17 in response to the balloons. It said its forces were preparing for a “variety of scenarios including a resumption of hostilities,” reported AP. Tensions have remained high since the cease-fire, even as Egyptian mediators have met with both Israeli and Hamas officials to try and shore up the informal truce. Israel and Hamas have fought four wars and countless smaller skirmishes since the Islamic militant group seized power from rival Palestinians forces in 2007. Watch the video to know more.
