The demolition raised tensions between Israel and Gaza, with leaders on both sides hurling threats and counter-threats. The Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad vowed to avenge the death of its fighters, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to "take a very firm stance against anyone who tries to attack us."
On Thursday, Islamic Jihad Spokesman Dawoud Shahab said in a statement that the group had the "full right to respond to this dangerous escalation for which the (Israeli) occupation is responsible."
The escalation came at a sensitive time when rival Fatah and Hamas are working on the implementation of a historic reconciliation deal. Under the deal signed in October, Hamas would hand power back to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) after nearly a decade of dominance in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Israel objects the deal and has called for Hamas to disarm itself.
Israel, along with several other Western powers, notably the United States and the European Union, has declared Hamas a terror organization.
On Wednesday, the West Bank-based PNA said it agreed to postpone the final power transfer of Gaza from Hamas to the Ramallah-based concensus government, which is acknowledged by the international community, until Dec. 10 to allow for complete arrangements.
Israel's last massive offensive in the Gaza Strip concluded in 2017. Since then, sporadic fighting occurs on both sides of the border but has never evolved into a full-blown war.
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