GAZA, March 19, 2011 (WAFA) – Hamas’ armed group, al-Qassam Brigades, Saturday fired dozens of mortar shells at Israeli strongholds bordering the Gaza Strip after Israeli shelling of targets in the Strip, according to Hamas sources.

A statement by al-Qassam Brigades said its fighters fired several mortar shells at Israeli targets south of the Gaza Strip, including Sofa and Kissufim military installations, after an intensive Israeli shelling of neighborhoods east of the Strip.

It said it was able to hit at least two Israeli soldiers in Kissufim and that smoke was seen coming out from the military post. Ambulances were also heard heading to Kissufim, said al-Qassam statement.

Israel had earlier bombed several areas in the eastern sections of the Gaza Strip, around Khan Yunis, causing damage to buildings, including a mosque.

Gaza medical sources said five Palestinians were injured in the Israeli shelling, including a child. They were reported in moderate to lights conditions.

Several makeshift missiles were fired from Gaza Friday at Israel but all fell in open space near the Gaza border without causing any damage or injury.

M.A.