"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to hurt Israeli citizens or soldiers and will continue to demonstrate perseverance and strength against anyone attempting to terrorize Israel," a statement issued by the Israeli army said.
 

The army said it holds Hamas responsible for maintaining the calm in Gaza and preventing attacks on Israel.

A Hamas commander was killed and ten Palestinians wounded in a strike overnight Friday.
 

On Sunday morning, Palestinians in northern Gaza fired a mortar shells at southern Israel. It exploded in an open area causing no damage or casualties.
 

Israeli government officials estimate the recent escalation is in response to efforts to embark on direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Israel’s daily Yedioth Aharonoth said Sunday.
 

Before dawn Sunday, the air force hit smuggling tunnels in southern Gaza in response to Saturday’s rocket attack. The army said the tunnels were used to smuggle weapons into Gaza.
 

In a separate strike before dawn Saturday, the IAF  hit a number of targets located in north, south and central Gaza in which the Hamas commander was killed.
 

The Palestinian Maan news agency identified the dead man as Issa Batran, 42, a commander of the group’s Izzadin Kassam military wing in central Gaza.
 

On Saturday night, a Qassam rocket slammed into a building at the Sapir College outside of Sderot, causing extensive damage but no casualties. On Sunday, officials told Israel Radio they were forced to suspend summer camp activities held at the building, because of the damage.
 

A Grad missile fired from northern Gaza exploded just meters away from a residential building in the heart of Ashkelon Friday morning. The impact of the missile smashed windows in the building and damaged cars parked nearby. Several residents were treated for shock, Ashkelon’s Mayor Benny Vakhnin told Israel Radio.

Israeli military officials noted that it was the first missile to be fired at southern Israel since Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli military offensive in Gaza that ended in January 2009.
 

A statement issued by Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks a clear violation of international law.