Following an IDF airstrike in Gaza, Hamas launched at least 13 rockets into Israel overnight prompting thousands in southern Israel to seek shelter, The Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

The Israeli airstrike targeted the car of one of the leaders of a cell that has been launching incendiary kites and other devices into Israel. Israeli aircraft also targeted two other Hamas outposts in the Gaza Strip. No injuries were reported.

The IDF has recently adopted a strategy of targeting Hamas assets in retaliation for arson attacks carried out by Hamas terrorists using kites and balloons. The goal, according to the Times, is to compel Hamas “which rules the coastal enclave, to stop launching the arson devices and to force others in the Strip to abandon the tactic as well.”

However Hamas, after its rocket attacks, said that “bombings will be answered with bombings.”

The rockets set off alarms in the border regions of Eshkol, Sha’ar Hanegev, Sdot Negev and Hof Ashkelon. At least three of the rockets were reported intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. No injuries or damage was reported in Israel.

Twice last week Hamas launched rocket attacks after Israel retaliated for airborne arson attacks.

The arson attacks, which have been carried out suing kites, balloons, and even latex condoms, have “burned thousands of acres of farmland, parks and forests” in southern Israel.

In a statement following the rocket attacks, the IDF said that Hamas “would pay the price for the terror and the instability.”

[Photo: TV7 Israel News / YouTube ]