Hamas tests new Israeli government by resuming incendiary balloons
The so-called “night confusion units” in Gaza continue to fire incendiary balloons toward Israel.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Only two days into the term of the new Israeli government, tensions flared in Gaza as Hamas-linked groups resumed sending incendiary balloons towards Israel, with the latter responding with strikes on the coastal enclave.
On June 15, groups affiliated with the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip launched hundreds of these balloons toward southern Israel. The factions said the move came in response to the controversial flag march held by far-right Israeli nationalists in Jerusalem, and in light of Israel’s ongoing decision not to release the Qatari financial grants and to ban the entry of many goods through Gaza’s crossing since the end of the recent round of violence May 21.
In response to the balloon launches that caused 18 fires to break out in Israeli agricultural fields near the Gaza border, Israel bombed two Hamas military sites in Gaza City and Khan Yunis at dawn June 16. No injuries were reported.
More incendiary balloons were also fired toward Israel on June 16 and June 17, and Israel retaliated again June 17.
