Following a wave of attacks on IDF engineers operating on the Israeli side of the Gaza border, the Hamas terror organization issued a sharp threat against the Jewish state.
Hamas terrorists fired three mortars at Israel on Wednesday, prompting retaliatory fire by Israeli tanks and artillery.
Calling the incident a “serious violation of the cease-fire”, senior Hamas officials warned Israel not to test the organization’s military capabilities.
Speaking to the Bethlehem-based Maan news agency, Hamas official Moshir al-Masri blamed Israel for the uptick in violence.
“This escalation in the Strip is a serious violation of the ceasefire,” said al-Masri.
Despite the recent string of Hamas mortar attacks, al-Masri warned Israel against provoking a wider conflict.
“Do not test our patience,” he said. “The enemy needs to understand that the more it increases its crimes, the stronger our response will be.”
No injuries were reported in Israel following the Hamas attacks, nor were any reported in Gaza after Israeli forces retaliated.