IDF strikes terrorist target belonging to Hamas in retaliation for infiltration attempt and placing of explosive devices on border fence.

The IDF on Monday morning attacked a terrorist target belonging to Hamas in northern Gaza.

The attack was carried out in response to the attempted terrorist infiltration and placing of improvised explosive devices on the border fence on Sunday, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said.

“The IDF views with great severity the attempt led by the Hamas terrorist organization to turn the fence into a combat zone while attempting to damage and destroy the security and defense infrastructures.”

“The IDF will not allow cynical use of civilians as a cover for terrorist activity against Israeli citizens and IDF forces, and will respond to any attempt of terrorism of this kind,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

“The Hamas terrorist organization is solely responsible for what is happening in the Gaza Strip from above and below the ground,” it stressed.

On Sunday evening, IDF troops located two explosive devices placed by terrorists who had earlier infiltrated Israel through the security fence near northern Gaza.

“The IDF views with great severity any attempt to damage the security fence or security infrastructure and will not allow the region to become a combat zone. Hamas is responsible for all events originating from the Gaza Strip and its consequences,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.

On Sunday afternoon, following the infiltration from Gaza, the IDF launched an artillery barrage on terrorist positions in the region.

Tensions along the Israel-Gaza border have worsened in recent weeks, following the beginning of six weeks of violent demonstrations and attempted infiltrations into Israel along the Gaza security fence.

On March 30, rioters kicked off the “March of Return” demonstrations, which drew tens of thousands in clashes with IDF forces along the border.

According to Gaza health officials, 29 rioters have been killed during the clashes with the IDF, with close to 3,000 more wounded.

The IDF has reported that at least 12 of the rioters killed in the disturbances are terrorists with known ties to the Hamas organization, while others approached the security fence and attempted to cross into Israel, despite warnings by the IDF prior to the riots.