The IAF struck two Hamas positions in the eastern Gaza Strip on Sunday in response to an explosive device that was flown into southern Israel earlier in the day.

Authorities were summoned on Sunday morning when dozens of balloons first suspected of being incendiary devices, were launched from Gaza and landed in an open field near the S’dot Dov Regional Council.

Police bomb demolition teams responded to the scene, a kibbutz carrot field. It was later reported the device shaped like a drone, with a wingspan of 1.2 meters, made its way over the border as dozens of balloons carried it. The device exploded in the field, B’chasdei Hashem without causing injury. A police report adds the name of the Gaza College of Engineering was printed on the side of remains of the device, which was incapable of independent flight.

Police renewed a call to civilians to remain vigilant and to call the emergency dispatcher at the first sight of any suspicious objects.

Part of the last ceasefire agreement, in November 2018, included a clause that Hamas would stop sending balloon bombs over the border. That ceasefire followed a barrage of over 450 Hamas rockets launched against Israel is a 25-hour period.

In response to the attempted attack, IDF helicopters targeted two Hamas military posts in Gaza. Hamas will bear the consequences of its actions.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 6, 2019

Balloons: Strong enough to lift a house in the @DisneyPixar family movie, Up. Dangerous enough to carry explosives towards Israeli families in real life.

Today, Hamas launched explosives attached to balloons from Gaza into Israel. This isn't a movie, it's real life. pic.twitter.com/j7qXKpcoRh

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 6, 2019

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem  Photo Credit: Israel Police Spokesman Unit)