Israel threatens ‘painful’ strike against Hamas in Gaza

Israel’s prime minister has threatened “very painful blows” against Gaza’s Hamas rulers if they do not halt protests along the perimeter fence that have led to clashes with Israeli troops.

Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is very close to waging a “different kind of activity” against the Islamic militants.

He said: “If it has any sense, Hamas will cease its fire and violent outbursts – now.”

Hamas has orchestrated near-weekly protests along the Israel-Gaza boundary since March, pressing for an end to a decade-long Israel-Egyptian blockade of the isolated territory.

On Friday, some 20 Palestinians breached the border. Israeli troops shot dead seven people at that location.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and have recently repeatedly stepped back from the brink.