Hamas has warned Israel of “consequences” following an air strike in Gaza, which killed three members of its military wing.
The three men, all members of the Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades, were travelling in a car between refugee camps and were killed near the southern town of Khan Younis, according to a Hamas statement.
An Israeli military spokesperson has claimed the air strike was pre-emptive, as intelligence suggested the militants were planning to kidnap Israelis.
In addition, there is evidence that the militant wing was planning terror attacks in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula during the upcoming Passover Jewish festival, according to the Israeli military.
The Sinai Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for Israelis.
Although Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, called the strike a “serious escalation” of violence on the Gaza-Israel border, both sides reportedly remain committed to maintaining peace.