A rocket, similar to the Al-Qassam rockets used against Israel is prepared for launch (UPI Photo/Ismael Mohamad) | License Photo

JERUSALEM, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A mortar shell fired by Palestinians in Gaza exploded in the Sha'ar Hanegev regional council area but caused no injuries or damage, the Israeli army said.

The attack Wednesday afternoon came after the Israel air force bombed a smuggling tunnel and weapons cache in southern Gaza Tuesday night in response to recent rocket attacks on southern Israel, a statement issued by the military said.


The army said it was the fourth projectile fired at southern Israel in the past three days.

On Tuesday, two projectiles were fired at southern Israel and on Monday a Qassam rocket was fired at the Asheklon coastal area. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Since the beginning of the year, Palestinians in Gaza have fired about 200 rockets and mortar shells at southern Israel, the army said.

Meanwhile Ma'an News Agency said three Palestinians were injured by an Israeli tank shell east of Gaza City Wednesday. The army had no comment on the report.