JERUSALEM, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli air forces struck on Monday nine military targets in two military compounds and a munition manufacturing site of Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip.

"The strikes were conducted in response to arson and explosive kites and balloons that have been launched into Israel," said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement.

"These are terror acts that endanger Israeli residents living in southern Israel and damage extensive areas in Israeli territory," it added.

During the strike, three rockets were also fired back at southern Israel from Gaza, one of which "apparently" did not reach Israeli territory, according to the IDF.

In recent days, the IDF has warned for numerous times against such rocket attacks, including firing warning shots near groups who allegedly attempted to cause damage to Israel, and striking infrastructure of these groups.

"The IDF is determined to continue to act with increasing intensity against these acts of terror as long as required, using a variety of tools at its disposal," the IDF said.

"The Hamas is accountable for everything happening in and from the Gaza Strip, and it will bear the consequences," noted the Israeli army.