Israel Attacks Two Gaza Cells Launching Terror Balloons

IAF aircraft attacked two cells launching incendiary balloons toward Israel from Gaza on Saturday afternoon. So far, no injuries have been reported.

The first strike was in the northern part of the strip east of Jabalia, while the second cell was attacked two hours later in the southern part of the strip. Firefighters have battled two blazes in the Be’eri area on Saturday caused by incendiary balloons.

Hamas’s political leadership is expected to hold a second meeting in Gaza Saturday to discuss a long-term ceasefire arrangement with Israel, mediated by Egypt and UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov.

The Hamas delegation is expected to stay in the strip on Saturday night before returning to Cairo on Sunday to issue an official response to the proposal.

 

The delegation arrived in the strip on Thursday evening and took part in "March of Return" protests along the Gaza border on Friday.

 

Among those who participated in the demonstrations were several high-profile figures, including Deputy Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri—who has not visited Gaza in years—Qatar-based Hamas spokesman Husan Badran, Hamas leaders Mousa Abu Marzouk and Izzat al-Rishq. Hamas leaders in Gaza Yahya Sinwar and



his deputy Khalil al-Hayya were present as well.

 

In addition, Maher Obeid, who replaced Saleh al-Arouri as the head of Hamas's 'West Bank Headquarters,’ and Musa Dodin, who is in charge of Hamas prisoners in Israel, also took part in the demonstrations.

 

The protests turned violent in several locations, and a 25-year-old Palestinian man was killed in clashes east of Gaza City.

Several Hamas members made impassioned speech during the protests, vowing never to surrender to Israel.

 

"The people of Gaza, those who protect our nation ... We have come to walk among you, be with our people and our nation. We are proud to belong to this great nation," Badran said during a rally held east of Gaza City.

“The Palestinian people will never surrender or wave a white flag. Palestine, as we know it, is from the sea to the river. We want the blockade on Gaza to be lifted once and for all, and we will sacrifice everything necessary to protect our people."

 

During his speech, Badran held a picture of the 17-year-old terrorist who stabbed to death Yotam Ovadia in the the settlement of Adam last week.