Israel retaliates to rocket fire

JERUSALEM, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Five Palestinians were injured in an Israeli Air Force strike in Gaza after a Qassam rocket was fired at southern Israel, the army said.

A statement released by the army Thursday said before dawn planes attacked two targets in Gaza and returned safely to base.

The army said the strikes were in response to a Qassam rocket fired at southern Israel Wednesday. The rocket exploded in the western Negev causing no damage or injuries.

Since the beginning of September, more than 33 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from Gaza at southern Israel, the army said.

Five Palestinians were injured in the air attacks, the Ma'an news agency said. The agency said "two militant training grounds were targeted, as well as Hamas government security buildings. "

The agency said none of the injured were civilians.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for maintaining the calm and preventing rocket attacks on southern Israel, the army said.