News / Middle East

Israel Strikes Gaza After Rocket Fire

Palestinians inspect the damage to a building following an Israeli airstrike in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip, 19 Nov 2010
Palestinians inspect the damage to a building following an Israeli airstrike in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip, 19 Nov 2010
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Israeli military planes struck three sites Friday in Gaza after rockets were fired from the seaside strip at communities in southern Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces says the attacks targeted two tunnels and other installations in Gaza. Palestinian sources told foreign media outlets that at least five people were wounded, but no deaths were reported.

Earlier Friday, the Israeli military said a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel but caused only minor damage and no injuries.

An Israeli military spokesman says the rocket was a more powerful military-grade projectile, unlike the homemade rockets regularly fired into Israel by militants.

No groups in Gaza took responsibility for the rocket attack.  It came two days after an Israeli air strike killed two brothers in the Hamas-ruled area.

The Israeli military said the strike on Wednesday targeted one of the brothers who is a senior member of the Palestinian Army of Islam militant group. The military said he had been plotting an attack against Israelis in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.  Several people were wounded in the strike.

The incidents come as Israel considers a preliminary U.S. proposal to fund the delivery of advanced fighter jets as part of a deal for Israel to extend a West Bank settlement freeze by 90 days.  

Under the plan, the U.S. would provide 20 F-35 stealth jets to Israel, in addition to 20 aircraft that Israel had already ordered for purchase.

The U.S. has also pledged to block any independent attempt by Palestinians to declare statehood at the United Nations.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.

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