By Qais Abu Samra
GAZA, Palestine (AA) - Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades announced on Thursday that they had struck an Israeli helicopter with a missile in east central Gaza.
In a brief statement viewed by Anadolu, they stated, "Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades targeted an Israeli helicopter with a SAM-7 missile east of Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip, and our fighters confirm the hit."
As of 0720GMT, there has been no official Israeli statement on this incident.
For the 20th consecutive day, the Israeli military is maintaining its relentless aerial bombardment of Gaza while Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip continue their rocket attacks on Israeli towns and cities.
An Israeli ground operation into Gaza has been expected, but amid reported delays, it is not known when it might start.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala in Istanbul