Israeli air strike hits northern Gaza

An Israeli airstrike has hit the northern Gaza strip on Monday, hours after two rockets were fired from there.

It is the first air strike on Gaza in more than two months.

Palestinian witnesses said the attack targeted a training ground used by members of the armed wing of Gaza's ruling Hamas movement west of Beit Lahiya, but no-one was hurt, according to Agence France-Presse.

The military confirmed the air force had struck Gaza following rocket fire on southern Israel.

“In response to rocket fire at Israel, the IDF (military) targeted 2 rocket launchers in Gaza. Direct hits confirmed,” the army said on its official Twitter feed, according to AFP.

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli army said that two rockets were fired from the Gaza strip causing no injuries or damages.

A statement from the military noted the rockets were aimed at the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, according to AFP.
The strike comes after Israel approved the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners who will be freed on Tuesday.

It will be the second such release of prisoners under terms of the U.S.-backed direct peace talks which began in late July after a hiatus of nearly three years.

(With AFP)