Israel’s airforce has continued bombing Hamas sites in Gaza for a fifth consecutive night, following balloon bombs sent into Israeli territory by groups affiliated to the terrorist organisation.

According to the Israeli defence force, fighter jets and other aircraft “struck a number of Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip”, including “a military compound and underground infrastructure” belonging to the group.

The IDF said these strikes were in response to a slew of party balloons with improvised explosive devices attached being sent over the border by Hamas-affiliated groups.

The explosives have been branded “terror balloons” by Chai Fahima, head of the police bomb-disposal squad for this district just east of Gaza. There were 19 terror bombs on Saturday, according to Israeli rescue services.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, was “responsible for all events transpiring in the Gaza Strip and emanating from it, and will bear the consequences for terror activity against Israeli civilians,” the IDF claimed.

Israel has also closed the Kerem Shalom goods crossing with Gaza and reduced the territory’s permitted Mediterranean coastal fishing zone. Clashes broke out along the border, with dozens of Palestinians burning tyres and hurling grenades towards the security fence.

The Gazan health ministry said two demonstrators were wounded by Israeli gunfire.