GAZA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Four Palestinians were wounded Tuesday by Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians launching arson balloons from eastern Gaza Strip into southern Israel, medics and local media said.
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Israeli drones fired two missiles at two groups releasing arson balloons from eastern Jabalia town in northern Gaza Strip into Israel.
One Palestinian was slightly wounded in the second missile strike.
Later on Tuesday evening, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a third group launching arson balloons from eastern Gaza City, wounding three people, one of whom in serious condition, according to Gaza Health Ministry.
Israeli media reported that arson balloons launched from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday caused five large fires in agricultural fields in southern Israel. No injuries were reported.
Launching arson balloons and kites at Israel began when the Palestinians organized the Great Marches of Return on March 30, causing big loss in the Israeli agricultural sector.
Over the past four weeks, Egypt brokered two ceasefire agreements between Israel and the Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, following an escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian clashes.
Since March 30, around 150 Palestinians have been killed and more than 16,000 others injured, most of whom were shot by live ammunition. One Israeli soldier was killed last Friday.
