Israeli media reported on Friday that the Israeli occupation launched a military operation against targets belonging to the Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip.  

The Israeli Channel 12 quoted former national security adviser Yaakov Amidror as saying, "we must get ready for an extended round," noting that "the ball is in the Islamic Jihad's court now."

Channel 12 added that "large forces of the Israeli army began to flock into the Sderot area (the Gaza envelope)," revealing that "it is estimated that the PIJ will have a significant response," and that "the Israeli army has deployed Iron Dome batteries in the central area."

Former Israeli intelligence chief Amos Yadlin told Channel 12 that "the attack on Gaza is a message to the PIJ, which I think will respond," stressing that "it should be prepared for a significant retaliation from the PIJ, a retaliation even against Tel Aviv."

The Israeli Channel Seven website indicated that there are "preparations for a potential missile firing against central Israel," adding that "the municipality of Ashkelon is opening shelters."

In turn, Channel 13 reported that "the Israeli army is getting prepared for a potential firing from Gaza into the Gush Dan area."

Earlier today, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that explosions were heard in the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestine. The shelling targeted the Palestine Tower in the center of Gaza city.

The Israeli occupation forces also targeted several observation points belonging to the Palestinian Resistance, our correspondent added.

The Israeli occupation has launched an aggression on besieged #Gaza targeting a residential building, and the #Palestinian Health Ministry reported civilian injuries.#PalestineUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/UIJNxSbALh

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 5, 2022