As a result, two Gazans were killed in the attack, while another was critically injured, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
READ MORE: Israeli Air Force Hits Hamas Targets in Gaza Strip — Reports
The IDF took to Twitter to confirm the assault, saying one of its tanks had targeted a military observation post in the southern Gaza Strip in response to the discovery of an explosive device placed near its security fence the day before, which exploded while being dismantled.
"Earlier today, IDF troops detonated an explosive device that was placed adjacent to the security fence in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday with the intention of harming IDF soldiers who were present in the area. The explosive device went off during the clearing procedure," the tweet read.
Earlier today, IDF troops detonated an explosive device that was placed adjacent to the security fence in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday with the intention of harming IDF soldiers who were present in the area. The explosive device went off during the clearing procedure pic.twitter.com/p8Dk8XRmci
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 27 мая 2018 г.
No injuries to IDF soldiers were reported. In response, an IDF tank targeted a military observation post in the southern Gaza Strip a short while ago pic.twitter.com/SREctSfA5l
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 27 мая 2018 г.
The reports came hours after the Israeli Air Force attacked Palestinian armed units in the southern Gaza Strip, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, reported.
"Israeli jets carried out strikes on the Ayn Jalut position, which belongs to the resistance movement in western Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza Strip," the movement wrote on its Twitter account.
The IDF confirmed the attack on its Twitter, saying the targets were hit in response to the "incident that took place earlier today, in which suspects infiltrated Israel & attempted to damage security infrastructure."
A short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck military targets in a Hamas compound in the southern Gaza Strip
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 26 мая 2018 г.
The strike was conducted in response to the incident that took place earlier today, in which suspects infiltrated Israel & attempted to damage security infrastructure
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 26 мая 2018 г.
Additionally, the strike was carried out in response to the continued attempts to sabotage security infrastructure during Hamas-led riots
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 26 мая 2018 г.
The Hamas terror organization is responsible for all threats originating from the Gaza Strip, & will bear the consequences of its actions against Israeli civilians & Israeli sovereignty
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 26 мая 2018 г.
Since March 30, Palestinians have been holding mass protests, dubbed the Great March of Return, near the Gaza Strip border. The event is dedicated to the so-called Land Day, commemorating the day in 1976 when Israeli troops killed six Arabs protesting against the confiscation of land. The demonstrators also claim the right of return for people displaced during the war after Israel's creation in 1948.
READ MORE: Over 100 Palestinians Injured in Clashes With Israeli Forces in Gaza – Ministry
According to Palestinian medics, 115 Palestinians have been killed, while as many as 13,300 protesters have been injured during the rallies.
