Israel strikes Gaza after launch of 'explosive balloons'

Israeli aircrafts have struck two Hamas observation points in the Gaza Strip, a security source said on Sunday, after the army reported balloons carrying an "explosive device" were sent toward Israel.

No injuries occurred from the strikes east of al-Bureij in the central Gaza Strip and east of Rafah in the south of the blockaded enclave late on Saturday, according to a Hamas security source.

The strikes occurred after a "cluster of balloons carrying an explosive device was launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory," the Israeli army said in a statement.

"No injuries or damage were reported," it said.

On Wednesday, Israeli aircraft targeted several other militant sites in Gaza after an "explosive balloon" launched from the Palestinian enclave damaged a house in Israel.

Palestinians have for nearly a year gathered at least weekly along the Gaza border fence for often non-violent marches to demand an end to the Israeli siege on Gaza and the right for Palestinians to return to their homes lost since Israel's creation in 1948.

At times they sporadically launch balloons with incendiary and explosive devices across the border fence.

The United Nations accused Israel of committing "crimes against humanity" after killng hundreds of Palestinians, including children in their retaliation to the mostly peaceful protests.

At least 251 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since March 2018, the majority shot during weekly border protests and others hit by tank fire or air strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Agencies contributed to this report.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab