Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas today that it will pay a “big price” for “every strike” targeting Israeli soldiers and “every violation of the ceasefire in Gaza”, according to a statement from his office.

“Hamas will learn the hard way today that the Israeli military is determined to protect its soldiers and prevent any harm from happening to them.”Katz emphasized after the airstrikes launched by the Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) in response to “terrorist” attacks on their positions.

At the same time, an Israeli army officer stated that “there is the possibility of other strikes” against Hamas in response to what he described as “violations” of the ceasefire by the Palestinian organization.

The officer, who was briefing journalists, pointed out that there were three incidents today in which Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli troops behind the “yellow line”, where Israeli forces have withdrawn under the ceasefire agreement, in the areas of Rafah (south) and Beit Lahia (north).

At the same time, the IDF reiterated its warning to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to avoid entering areas under Israeli control and to stay away from Israeli troops.

“Following the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the criminal attack launched by Hamas terrorist elements this morning, the IDF will respond with particular force against Hamas terrorist infrastructure and elements”noted Avihai Andrai, the Israeli military’s Arabic-speaking spokesman.

“The IDF repeats its warning: for your own safety and because of the ongoing casualties stay only on the west side of the yellow line”he added.

Residents of the Gaza Strip and local health authorities indicated that at least 11 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire.