Hamas is trying to control a variety of jihadi groups inside Gaza who are believed to be behind recent attacks on Israel.

Salafist militants who support Islamic State are thought to have carried out bombings at Hamas security posts, and shot rockets at Israeli towns, actions that have provoked reprisals from Israel.

As part of an attempt to halt these groups, last week Hamas arrested several militants and killed a fugitive, Youis al-Hunnor. These moves provoked threats and calls for revenge from the jihadists.

According to the Times of Israel, Mr al-Hunnor’s apartment building bears graffiti which says: “Hamas are infidels,” and “No condolences before revenge”.

There are believed to be around 1,000 Salafist fighters in Gaza. A number of them seek to turn Gaza into an Islamic caliphate under Islamic law.