TASS, August 26. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip Wednesday in response to incendiary balloon launches from the region, the IDF said via Twitter.

"Over the last few weeks, terrorists in Gaza have launched hundreds of explosive balloons into Israel. In response, our aircraft just targeted Hamas underground infrastructure in Gaza. We will act against any terror activity aimed at Israeli civilians," the IDF stated. After a lengthy pause, Gazans have resumed sending explosive balloons into Israeli territory in early August, igniting dozens of fires in Israel.

However, there have been no reports of any casualties. In response to these acts, Israel shut down the Kerem Shalom border crossing on August 11, while Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on August 12 ordered to curb the fishing area for Palestinians near the Gaza Strip from 15 nautical miles (28 km) to eight (15 km).

Throughout the month, the Israeli armed forces have repeatedly struck Hamas military facilities in the Gaza Strip as a tit-for-tat measure to the launches of explosive balloons and missiles.