- The Media Line - https://themedialine.org -

After Months of Quiet, Violence Heats Up Along Israel-Gaza Border

Rocket fire, counter attacks and violent marchers returned to the picture after several months of relative calm between Israel and its neighbors. The sole rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on Thursday fell harmlessly into Israel and was followed by retaliatory tank fire. On Friday, the level of violence at the weekly “March of Return” along the border was ratcheted-up to the point where medical sources in Gaza reported treating “scores” of marchers allegedly wounded by Israeli security forces. At least ten rockets were launched at Israel, testing the capabilities of the Iron Dome anti-missile system, which successfully intercepted seven rockets while one managed to get through and damage a home in the border town of Sderot. Despite heavy destruction to the building, a family in an adjoining structure was unhurt. A 27-year Palestinian man was killed when Israeli forces targeted a terrorist training camp overnight Friday. His affiliation has not yet been determined, although it is believed that the rockets were fired by Islamic Jihad and not Hamas. Nevertheless, the response from the Israelis was aimed at Hamas targets in keeping with Israeli policy that states as rulers of the Gaza Strip, Hamas bears full responsibility for all acts of violence.