GAZA, February 24, 2011 (WAFA) - Israel launched early Thursday several airstrikes in the north, center and south of the Gaza Strip, according to local sources.

Two F16 war planes fired two missiles at an agricultural area in Khan Younis, south of Gaza  Strip, and in Deir al-Balah, in the center of the Strip, local sources told WAFA. There were no immediate reports of injuries even though damage was caused to buildings.

Israeli army incursions were also reported in Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City and Tal al-Hawa area, southwest of Gaza City, added the sources.

Israeli tanks also opened fire at Shajaiya and Zaytoun neighborhoods in the city of Gaza.

The Israeli strikes came after Palestinians fired Grad missiles from the Gaza Strip at Beer Sheba, a city south of Israel, on Thursday. One of the missiles hit a house causing serious damage but no injuries, according to Israeli military reports.

The Palestinian rocket attack also came after Israeli army vehicles opened fire at fighters from the Islamic Jihad in northern Gaza early Thursday, killing one and wounding two others, according to statements by the Islamic Jihad organization.  

R.S./M.A.