The Israeli Air Force attacked targets in the Gaza Strip overnight in retaliation for rockets that were launched by terrorists into Israeli territory earlier in the day. The rockets exploded in the Hof Ashkelon area of southern Israel and triggered Code Red alert sirens to be sounded in the region.

The IDF confirmed direct hits on an underground rocket launching site the central Gaza Strip and a terrorist training camp in the northern Gaza Strip. The training camp was part of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, an armed wing of Hamas.

IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner stated: “The IDF targeted sites that were part of the infrastructure used to terrorize Israel and its civilians. The daily reality of Israelis exposed to rocket attacks is unbearable, incomprehensible and immoral. We will continue to act against the threats emanating from Hamas’ Gaza Strip; they must be held accountable for allowing the attacks to continue unhindered.”

Earlier this week, the Israeli Air Force targeted Palestinian terrorist Abdallah Kharti. A member of the Popular Resistance Committees, Kharti is personally responsible for the planning and execution of numerous rocket attacks against Israel. He was targeted while riding his motorcycle near the town of Dir al-Balah in Gaza.

Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has made it clear that Israel would not allow Hamas or any other terrorist organizations to target Israel and get away with it: “We will not tolerate the disruption of the lives of our citizens, and we will act decisively against anyone who harms or tries to harm the state of Israel.”

Since the beginning of 2014, 33 rocket attacks on Israeli territory have taken place emanating from the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip.