According to Hebrew media reports, the current escalation is related to the approaching deadline for the transfer of a $25 million Qatari grant to Hamas.
By JNS
Israel Defense Forces troops thwarted a terrorist attack late Sunday night after identifying a Palestinian attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail at the Rachel’s Tomb compound outside Bethlehem, igniting another series of clashes between the IDF and Hamas.
IDF tanks also attacked Hamas observation posts in Gaza in response to massive rock-throwing and an additional dispatch of incendiary balloons flown into Israel, Channel 12 reported.
The IDF struck several Hamas targets in Gaza early on Sunday morning after shrapnel from the downing of a rocket fired from Gaza hit a house in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, according to the military. A 58-year-old Israeli man was lightly wounded in the incident, according to first responders.
An Egyptian delegation was expected to arrive in Gaza on Sunday night to defuse the situation, according to Channel 12, which attributes the current escalation in the south to the approach of the September deadline for the transfer of a $25 million grant from Qatar to Hamas.
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who has been in Qatar for the past few months, is pressuring Doha to renew the grant and transfer the money as scheduled, but so far with no success.
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!