An IDF tank on maneuvers. Photo: Michael Shvadron via Wikimedia Commons

Tensions flared in Israel’s south on Thursday as mortars were fired at an IDF position near the Gaza Strip.

According to the Hebrew-language website Walla, no one was hurt in the attack, though red alert sirens were sounded in the area and train service between the southern towns of Ashkelon and Sderot was temporarily halted.

The IDF responded with tank fire, targeting sites connected to the terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Mortar and rocket fire from the Strip were common until Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in 2014. Since then, only sporadic incidents have occurred along the southern border.

Israel considers Hamas – which rules the Strip – responsible for any and all attacks from Gaza and retaliates accordingly.