IDF air strike on Gaza
IDF air strike on GazaIsrael news photo: IDF Spokesperson's Office (archive)

Israeli fighter pilots attacked terrorist targets in southern Gaza late Friday night in retalation for a barrage of rocket fire aimed at southern Israel earlier in the day.

According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson's office, a terror-affiliated site in the southern part of Gaza was targeted, and a direct hit was confirmed. There was no specific information on the target struck, or on it subsequent results.

"The IDF will not allow any attempt to harm the State of Israel and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate against anyone who uses terror against the State of Israel," said the IDF spokesperson in a statement. "The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip."

Earlier in the day, rockets and missiles were fired from Gaza at southern Israel throughout the afternoon and after the start of the Sabbath, which began at sundown, into the night. 

Two Grad Katyusha missiles were fired at the port city of Ashdod, five Qassam rockets were aimed at the coastal city of Ashkelon, and at the Sha'ar HaNegev and Eshkol Regional Council districts.

There were no reports of physical injuries or damage in any of the attacks, and one of the missiles fired at the city of Ashdod was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.

The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) terrorist organization, allied with the Hamas rulers of Gaza, later claimed responsibility for some of the attacks.