A wounded Israeli soldier from the 401st Armored Brigade's 9th Battalion was sent to the hospital for treatment after being injured in a battle in southern Gaza on Saturday. The incident occurred as clashes between Israeli forces and Gaza militants continued.
The latest round of violence began on Saturday evening, when rockets were fired from Gaza towards southern Israel. Israeli air defenses intercepted some of the rockets, while others landed in open areas without causing any damage or casualties.
The Israeli military said that around 18 rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, with some of them causing damage to homes and property. In response, the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes against targets in Gaza, demolishing several buildings and infrastructure.
The escalation in violence came after a day of relative calm, in which a rocket fired from Gaza towards Israel on Friday evening landed in an open area without causing any damage or casualties.
The increase in rocket fire from Gaza follows a series of peaceful protests and demonstrations by Gazans, who are demanding better living conditions and an end to Israel's 12-year blockade.
Israel has accused Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza, of being responsible for the rocket fire and has threatened to take further action if the attacks continue. Gazan officials have denied the accusations and have called on Israel to lift its blockade of the territory.