Hamas targets 2 Israeli military bases with drones

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Palestinian group Hamas said Monday it had targeted two Israeli military bases with drones.

The group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said two drones were fired at Hatzerim and Tze'elim military bases in southern Israel.

No information was provided about casualties.

The Israeli army confirmed that it had intercepted two drones fired from the Gaza Strip.

"Two UAVs were identified crossing from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory" at Nir Oz and Ein HaBesor near the border, the army said in a statement.

"Both UAVs were thwarted," it added, without stating whether they were shot down.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,087 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.