Balloons with explosive device from Gaza damages home in Israeli community near the border

The small bomb had been attached to a cluster of balloons and launched toward Israel from the coastal enclave on Wednesday as part of nightly riots along the Gaza border.

The explosive shattered one window and damaged another, according to the Eshkol Regional Council.

The military sent troops to the scene to inspect the damage and investigate the incident. Police sappers were also called in to ensure there were no other threats and remove any remaining explosive material.

"A string of balloons carrying an explosive object was spotted traveling from the southern Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. The object apparently exploded in midair and caused damage to a house in a nearby community," the army said.

The incident appeared to be the first time damage was caused to a home or building from an incendiary or explosive device attached to balloons or kites this year.

Since March 2018, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary and explosive devices into Israel, causing hundreds of wildfires in nearby agricultural fields, forests and nature reserves.