Afrasianet - Gaza’s Islamist rulers Hamas and an allied militant group claimed joint responsibility on Tuesday for a barrage of rockets and mortar rounds fired at Israel throughout the day.

The military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced in a rare joint statement their “responsibility for the striking of military positions and Zionist settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip,” saying it was in response to Israeli attacks targeting their positions in recent days.

The two groups said “all options will be open” to them, adding the Israeli “crimes can not be tolerated”.

Israel has fought three wars with the two groups since 2008.

Dozens of mortars and rockets were fired from Gaza throughout Tuesday, with the Israeli army striking dozens of “military targets” in Gaza in response.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties, though three Israeli soldiers were injured -- one moderately and two lightly.

Three members of Islamic Jihad were killed in an Israeli strike Sunday, with the group vowing revenge.