The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) - Israel's military - on Friday launched an airstrike on a training facility of Hamas' armed faction the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, hours after a rocket fired from Gaza struck outside a nearby Israeli community.

The IDF said no injuries were reported after a rocket, claimed by a previously unheard of militant group in Gaza, "hit southern Israel."

The Israeli airstrike "targeted a Hamas terror infrastructure in the central Gaza Strip. A direct hit was confirmed," the IDF said in a statement.

"Hamas must fulfill its responsibilities or face the consequences," the statement added.

At least four Palestinians were injured in the attack, according to Palestinian health officials.

Israel holds the militant group Hamas responsible for rocket fire from within its borders, even if launched by jihadist movements at odds with the militant group.

In recent months, groups more radical than Hamas, which calls for the destruction of Israel within its charter, have lashed out at Gaza's Islamist government for failing to implement a strict version of Islamic law and upholding a ceasefire.

Last year, a conflict between Israel and Hamas left at least 2,000 Palestinians dead, including more than 500 children, along with 73 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Hamas came to power in Gaza after winning a legislative election for the Palestinian Authority in 2006.

ls/bw (Reuters, AFP, AP)