Israeli jets launched air strikes on Gaza overnight after militants in the Palestinian territory again launched incendiary balloons into southern Israel, the army said.
"Over the past day, arson balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israel's military said in a statement on Friday.
"In response ... fighter jets struck military compounds and a rocket launch site belonging to the Hamas terror organisation."
AFP journalists in the Palestinian enclave also reported hearing explosions, which the army said hit sites in both Gaza City, and in Khan Yunis, in the south of Gaza.
The fire balloons and airstrikes are the latest violence testing a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers that came into place on 21 May, ending 11 days of heavy fighting.
Masked supporters of the Al-Nasir Salah Al-Din Brigades prepare incendiary balloons east of Gaza city, to launch across the border fence towards Israel. Source: Getty Images
Palestinian militants in Gaza launched balloons for a third day running on Thursday, according to Israeli firefighters battling the blazes sparked by the devices.
After fire bombs sparked blazes on Tuesday, Israel's military launched a retaliatory wave of strikes early on Wednesday, then launched a second round of strikes overnight between Thursday and Friday.
The balloons are basic devices intended to set fire to farmland and bush surrounding the Gaza enclave.
Israel army chief Aviv Kohavi issued orders late on Thursday to "increase the IDF's (Israeli Defense Forces) readiness and preparedness for a variety of scenarios including a resumption of hostilities," the army statement read.
"The IDF will continue to strike military capabilities and infrastructure belonging to the terror organisation and holds the Hamas as responsible for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip," the statement added.
