Israeli Military Launches Drone Strike on Hamas Observation Post in Gaza Strip in Response to Rioting
The Israeli military conducted a drone strike on a Hamas observation post in the Gaza Strip on Friday, following renewed rioting by Palestinians along the Israeli border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that hundreds of Palestinians participated in the riots, setting off explosive devices on the security barrier and throwing grenades at troops. In response, the soldiers used riot dispersal measures and live fire in some cases. Fortunately, no soldiers were injured.
The rioting occurred during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, as Israeli security forces remain on high alert due to increased warnings and intelligence tips about potential terror attacks. This incident follows an attempt by six Palestinian rioters to detonate a makeshift bomb on the border on Wednesday, resulting in their deaths when the device exploded prematurely.
Footage from the riots showed burning tires along the Israeli security barrier, and the IDF responded with tear gas. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that nine Palestinians were wounded by Israeli fire and crowd dispersal methods. Among the injured was a photojournalist who was hit in the hand by a tear gas canister, according to Palestinian media.
Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, appears to have resumed regular provocations along the border. The drone strike was seen as a warning to the terror group. In recent weeks, there have been multiple riots on the Gaza border, indicating a return by Hamas and other terror factions to mass protests and violence. These actions aim to draw attention to the worsening living conditions in Gaza, as Qatar reduces its monthly disbursements to the territory.
Weekly protests along the Gaza-Israel border began in March 2018 and continued until the end of 2019. Protesters demanded the lifting of Israeli restrictions on movement in and out of Gaza, the return of Palestinian refugees, and an end to the blockade. The protests often turned violent, with explosives, rocks, and firebombs thrown at IDF soldiers, attempts to breach the border, and attacks on the fence. The IDF responded with non-lethal measures, tear gas, and live fire. Over 200 Palestinians were killed, and thousands were injured during this period. Additionally, Palestinians frequently sent helium balloons carrying explosives and incendiary devices into Israel, causing fires that destroyed vegetation.