Palestinians demonstrators burned tyres, threw stones and explosive devices at IDF forces at the Gaza border over Shabbat.
The latest incidents were part of weekly March of Return protests but bolstered other incidents since the High Holidays began.
An IDF spokesperson confirmed that around 500 terrorists threw grenades at the Karni crossing and pipe bomb in the Rafah area.
Israeli troops responded with crowd dispersal measures.
No IDF casualties were reported.
Gaza’s Health Ministry claimed three Palestinians were killed and 30 wounded by IDF fire.
The IDF said its actions were to prevent border breaches by 13,000 Palestinians gathered at several points near the fence.
And incendiary balloons found near a children’s playground in Kiryat Gat, which were not set alight, were thought to be sent from Gaza.
The discovery followed explosives found in Eshkol Regional Council near the Gaza Strip and a pipe bomb hurled at IDF troops near the border.
Forces targeted three Palestinians at the security fence.
No casualties nor damage was reported.
“Hamas continues to try and harm the defensive infrastructure of the security forces along the border fence while using civilians as shields and as cover for committing acts of terror,” noted an IDF spokesperson.
The incidents on land were joined by Israel’s navy firing warning shots at a flotilla of Palestinian boats heading towards the Gaza border.
The incident came as hundreds of Palestinians reportedly sent dozens of burning tires on rafts towards Israel last week.
Both episodes were repelled by Israel’s defences as Gaza-related skirmishes continue.
IDF forces identified and arrested four Palestinians attempting to break through the border fence on the Gaza Strip.
An IDF spokesperson confirmed the suspects were armed with a knife and an axe after questioning that continues.
GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi does not expect “complete calm” in the Gaza Strip for a number of years.
Halevi made the comments to Radio Darom in his first interview since taking up his role as talks with Hamas continue on a long-term ceasefire.
Halevi offered support to building a seaport in Gaza to improve conditions for residents as it would help reduce hostility in the area.
“We aspire for improvement,” he explained.
“If the seaport will be used as passage of goods for Gaza’s residents and not as a tool to bolster Hamas, building it would be the right thing to do.”
But Halevi was realistic in his aspirations due to the number of terror attacks in recent times.
“In my opinion, the recent clashes were the closest to war we have reached since Operation Protective Edge,” he said.
“The way we conducted ourselves had demonstrated to Hamas our strength and abilities.
“We’ve destroyed many of its infrastructures, many of its activists were killed both during the border fence riots as well as during our strikes in Gaza.
“I think Hamas understood it wouldn’t be beneficial for it to proceed (with terror acts).”
Halevi added, “The IDF is well-prepared.
“Our enemies on the northern border as well as on the southern one will invest tremendous efforts to avoid confronting us, since (due to) the IDF’s strength and State of Israel’s might.
“Nevertheless, the IDF will know to handle both fronts if needed.”