An Israeli fighter jet downed “an unidentified aircraft” over the Gaza Strip on Monday, Israel’s military said in a statement.
“The aircraft was spotted and monitored by Israel Air Force Aerial Control Unit until its interception,” the statement read. It did not cross into Israeli territory and did not pose a threat at any stage, said the army.
The incident came a day after another unmanned drone crossed into Israeli airspace from Syria before it was intercepted. Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported that Israeli officials estimate that the drone was linked to Iran.
The Gaza Strip, a coastal Palestinian enclave, has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007 that has severely limited the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. The blockade has been a major point of contention between Israel and the leadership of Hamas, an armed movement that runs Gaza. ■
