GAZA – Israeli warplanes carried out seven sorties over the Gaza Strip late Sunday and early Monday firing missiles at various locations in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah without causing any injuries but only damage to property, according to local sources.

They said the warplanes fired seven missiles at open areas and allegedly training bases for the Islamic Jihad in what the Israeli army said was retaliation for earlier rocket attacks at Israel.

Israel also closed the crossings with Gaza, mainly Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom), the only passage way for goods into and out of Gaza, in apparent collective punishment for the missile attack.

Exporters of fruit products in Hebron said Israel did not allow 20 trucks carrying plums to enter Gaza through Karm Abu Salem claiming it was closed for security reasons.

The missiles and Israeli air raids were the first in several weeks of relative calm on the Gaza borders with Israel.

No one took responsibility for the missile attack, which Hamas officials in Gaza had earlier said the movement created a special force to prevent fighters from firing missiles into Israel.

The missile firing came after Hamas gunmen killed a leading member of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza, prompting strong condemnation from the Islamic Jihad and charges to Hamas of treason.

M.S.