Israel: Tensions heat up in south, 2 fires spark as Gaza arson attacks continue

Fire rages near Kibbutz Be'eri, caused from kites flown by Palestinians, near the border with the Gaza Strip, on August 13, 2020.

Bathers in Zikim Beach north of Palestinian enclave evacuated due to blaze

Tensions on the Israel-Gaza border continued Friday morning as two blazes raged in the Gaza envelope due to landings of incendiary balloons.

In a rare move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered the suspension of agricultural work adjacent to the security barrier until further notice, outlet N12 reported.

Most civilians and security forces were removed from the area as fear amounted that an attacking attempt would ensue from the Palestinian enclave.

In addition, after a fire broke out near Zikim Beach north of the Gaza Strip, bathers were evacuated from the area and the nearby road was closed for vehicles.

Overnight Thursday into the early hours of Friday morning, 12 projectiles were launched toward Israel by Gaza terrorist organizations as escalation in the south rose to seething levels.

Medical teams treated three anxiety victims and two injured in light condition, N12 reported.

In addition, shrapnel of a rocket hit a house in the city of Sderot, causing damage to the building.

The IDF responded in three separate rounds of attacks.

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