TEL AVIV — The Israeli military has determined the introduction of a long-range machine gun by the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip.

Military sources said Hamas and its Palestinian militia allies have begun firing a heavy machine-gun with a range of up to eight kilometers.

They sources said the weapon was first fired from the northern Gaza Strip into Israel on July 9.

“This is a new and dangerous development,” a military source said. The machine gun fired 15mm shells into Israel, which landed in the Israeli community of Yad Mordechai, about seven kilometers from the Gaza border. The machine-gun fire struck an Israeli restaurant and vehicle but no injuries were reported.

“The Israel Defense Forces will not tolerate any attempt by terrorist groups to target Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, and will continue to operate against those who use terror against the state of Israel,” a military statement said. “The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.”

In response, the military reported air strikes on two alleged Hamas targets. The military said the unspecified targets were struck.

“The targeting is in response to an earlier incident, in which terrorists fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, hitting a residential area in Yad Mordechai,” the military said.

The sources said Hamas and its Palestinian militia allies have enhanced their firepower at all ranges in preparation for what could be an Iranian-sponsored war against Israel. They said Hamas has deployed Iranian-origin rockets with a range of up to 80 kilometers. (Copyright © 2012 East West Services, Inc. 07/12/12)