Palestinians say two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City killed five militants from the Islamic Jihad group on Monday.
Islamic Jihad says one of its senior commanders, Majed Harazin, was killed alongside another militant in an attack on Harazin's vehicle. A third militant was seriously wounded. Islamic Jihad vowed to take revenge against Israel.
Israel's military accused Harazin of organizing rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.
Later Monday, a second airstrike in Gaza City killed three militants, including an expert explosive-maker. An Israeli army spokesperson said the strike occurred as Palestinian militants were about to fire rockets at Israel.
Israeli air and ground forces often target Palestinian militants in Gaza who fire rockets and mortars into southern Israel on an almost daily basis.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday he supports a plan to reinforce buildings in Israeli towns near Gaza to protect them from rockets.
He told community leaders in southern Israel that he will try to secure $80 million in funds for reinforcement efforts.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
