On Wednesday evening, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant threatened to use excessive force if “riot incidents” continued on the border with the Gaza Strip and affected any settlers or soldiers.

Directing his message to Hamas, Galant said: “We do not want escalation, nor do we seek to fight, but if we reach a point where we must act, Operation Shield and Arrow will be merely a reminder of what can happen to every terrorist element, given the great capabilities that the security system possesses.”

He added: "If Israelis, or any of our soldiers, are harmed, we will not hesitate to use the full force available to us to ensure the safety of citizens and restore calm."