Tension mounts high along Israel-Gaza border

Jerusalem, May 5: Tensions are mounting high along the Israel-Gaza border on Wednesday due to at least four cross-border fire exchanges over the day.

Israeli tanks fired several artillery shells at the Palestinian enclave, following rocket fire by Gaza militants toward military targets on the border, Xinhua reported.

In the morning, an Israeli military spokesperson said a mortar round was fired from a Hamas post towards Israeli troops during an "operational activity" near southern Gaza's border, causing no injuries. "An Israel Defence Forces tank responded and fired towards the threat."

At noon, an explosion, apparently caused by another mortar, occurred near a force of Combat Engineering in front of Shuja'iyya in northern Gaza, followed by a third mortar two hours later.

Palestine official news agency WAFA said tanks bombed an agricultural area near the border and shelled two watchtowers allegedly used by Hamas' military wing of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

Another fire exchange was reported in the afternoon, with artillery shells fired at the neighbourhood of Tufah in east Gaza.

Gaza's Ministry of Education evacuated two schools in eastern Gaza, fearing more bombings.

There were no immediate reports of injuries on the Palestinian side.

IANS