IAF F15 Eagle taking off from the Ovda Air Base. Photo: Yissachar Ruas, Tazpit News Agency.

The Israel Defense Forces said an Israel Air Force fighter jet responded to a mortar shell fired from Gaza by Islamic Jihad soldiers at IDF infantry and engineers, with a direct hit confirmed against the terrorists who launched the shelling.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, IDF Spokesman, said, “Rapid reaction and operational capabilities are key to combating terrorist activities against Israel and our forces. Terrorists must know that there is a price to pay when participating in aggression.”

Islamic Jihad said that three of its members were killed in the strike, according to Israeli media.

Separately, the IDF said that one of its Skylark reconnaissance drones dropped from the sky over Gaza because of a likely malfunction. It was recovered by Hamas militants, who delivered it to Hamas security forces in Gaza.