Israel strikes Gaza in response to incendiary balloons

Israel carried out air raids on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip late on Saturday, in response to the launching of incendiary devices attached to balloons sent over from the Palestinian enclave, the army said.

"A short while ago, combat planes hit a number of targets of the Hamas terrorist organisation in the southern Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement.

Among the targets was an arms factory, the army added, stressing that the air raids were in response to the launching of the incendiary balloons towards Israeli territory.

In trying to bolster the Egyptian and UN-mediated truce, Hamas halted the regular weekly protests along Gaza-Israel fence last month.

Earlier this week, a senior Hamas official said that the balloons were a signal to Israel to accelerate the informal "understandings" meant to ease the crippling blockade on Gaza.

The official, Khalil al-Hayya, said the balloons are being launched by disgruntled individuals, not Hamas. But he said his group was "satisfied" with the launches and is ready to send more "if the occupation doesn't pick up the message."

Al-Hayya said Hamas expects Israel to allow in more medical supplies, unlimited trade between Gaza and the world, help create more jobs and extend Qatari payments for electricity and poor families.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2008, and Israel holds the group responsible for all rocket fire coming from the territory, although it has targeted other militant groups there.

On Tuesday, Israeli troops shot dead three Palestinians who crossed into Israel from Gaza and hurled an explosive device at soldiers, according to the army.