Israel Strikes Gaza After Rocket Fire

JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Israeli military says it has carried out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip after a rocket was launched from the Palestinian territory toward Israel. No casualties were reported in the exchange.

The military says it targeted four "terror sites" in Gaza early Wednesday. Local media reports in Gaza said Israeli warplanes hit training sites belonging to the militant Hamas group that controls Gaza.

The strikes were in retaliation for a rocket launched at southern Israel late Tuesday. The rocket was intercepted mid-air by Israel's aerial defense system.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket. Smaller militant groups in Gaza challenging Hamas' rule have claimed responsibility for sporadic rocket fire in recent months.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner says Israel holds Hamas responsible for attacks from Gaza.

(KA)