On the evening of 6 September 2021, Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes targeting an alleged Hamas rocket manufacturing site and military compound located near the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Palestinian militants reportedly responded by firing at Israeli military aircraft with ground-based anti-aircraft guns. There were no reports of casualties. Israeli forces stated that the airstrikes were in retaliation for three fires that broke out in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council in southern Israel, which were caused by incendiary balloons reportedly sent over from the Gaza Strip. Local media reports also speculated that the airstrikes were likely a response to the escape of six Palestinians from a high-security Israeli prison.