Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon early Friday were in response to rocket attacks that it claimed were being perpetrated by Hamas militant group.

Tensions flared in the area following the raids by the police on the al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem this week.

Different areas of Gaza were rocked by blasts. Israel claimed that its planes struck targets such as tunnels and weapons production sites of Hamas which control the blockaded southern coast strip.

According to the military, it also hit Hamas targets south Lebanon. Residents in the Rashidieh refugee camps reported hearing three loud blasts.

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These strikes were in response to rocket attacks by Lebanon on northern Israeli areas. Officials blame Hamas.

According to the Israeli military, 34 rockets were fired from Lebanon. Of these 25 were intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems.

It was the largest such attack since 2006 when Israel waged war on the Hezbollah.

Following a meeting of the security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s response would be a costly one.

Rockets were fired by Israel as the Israeli jets attacked Gaza. However, there were no reports of any serious injuries.

These strikes were triggered by an intensifying conflict over Israeli police raids on the al Aqsa Mosque compound, Jerusalem, during Ramadan (a Muslim holy month that coincides with Jewish Passover).

Hamas released a statement saying that the Zionist occupation was fully responsible for the grave escalated aggression and flagrant aggression against Gaza Strip and the subsequent consequences for the region.

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According to the Israel Defence Force, “The IDF attacked terrorist infrastructures belonging Hamas in southern Lebanon.”

“The IDF will not permit Hamas terrorist organization to operate from Lebanon. The state of Lebanon will be held responsible for any directed fire emanating form its territory.