Israel launches new airstrikes on Gaza in retaliation for fire balloons; See Pics

Israeli jets launched air strikes on Gaza after militants in the Palestinian territory again set off incendiary balloons into southern Israel, the army and AFP journalists said. The fire balloons and air strikes are the latest violence heaping pressure on a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers that came into place on May 21, ending 11 days of heavy fighting.

Israeli jets launched air strikes in Gaza after militants in the Palestinian territory again set off incendiary balloons into southern Israel, the army and AFP journalists said. Credit: Reuters Photo

The fire balloons and air strikes are the latest violence, heaping pressure on a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers that came into place on May 21, ending 11 days of heavy fighting. Credit: Reuters Photo

AFP journalists in the Palestinian enclave also reported hearing explosions, which the army said hit sites in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, in the south of Gaza, home to around two million people. Credit: AFP Photo

Soon after the strikes, Hamas militants opened fire with heavy machine guns towards the Jewish state, as Israeli warning air raid sirens rang out. Credit: AFP Photo

Palestinian militants in Gaza launched balloons for the third day in a row on June 17, according to Israeli firefighters battling the blazes sparked by the devices. Credit: AFP Photo

The balloons are basic devices intended to set fire to farmland and bushes surrounding Gaza. Credit: AFP Photo

This week's air strikes on Gaza were the first under Israel's new government headed by Naftali Bennett, whose ideologically disparate coalition ousted long-serving prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: Reuters Photo