15 nov 2012
An Israeli airstrike targeted the Shajayia area of Gaza City on Thursday shortly after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip killed three Israelis near the Gaza border.
The airstrike injured six Palestinians including two children and a woman, medics said.
WillOuda Ma'an: Israel is asking Egypt to intervene to achieve new truce in Gaza, Egypt refuse to respond for lack of trust in Israeli intentions
The airstrike injured six Palestinians including two children and a woman, medics said.
WillOuda Ma'an: Israel is asking Egypt to intervene to achieve new truce in Gaza, Egypt refuse to respond for lack of trust in Israeli intentions
Israel killed a senior police official in the Gaza Strip government and two members of Hamas' military wing in early morning attacks, medics said Thursday.
Security commander Habes Masmah, 30, was targeted while riding a motorcycle east of Khan Younis, medics said. His body was taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Two members of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades were also killed in the attack. They were identified as Wael Haidar al-Ghalban and Hisham Muhammad al-Ghalban.
The Israeli military targeted 100 "rocket launch and infrastructure sites" across the Gaza Strip overnight, an army statement said early Thursday.
"This has significantly damaged the rocket launch capabilities and munitions warehouses operated by Hamas and other terror organizations," the statement said.
"The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza strip and damage their further build up."
The attack on Khan Younis brought to 11 the number of Palestinians killed since Wednesday afternoon, when Israel killed a top Hamas security commander in a targeted assassination.
Three children and an elderly man were among eight killed Wednesday.
No action at UN
In New York, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the Israeli strikes against the Gaza Strip but took no action, as Israel threatened a wider offensive.
Indian Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, president of the 15-nation Security Council this month, told reporters after the 90-minute closed-door meeting that council members had only agreed to issue a communique stating that an emergency meeting took place and other procedural details.
Speaking on behalf of India, not the Security Council, Puri expressed the hope that the fact the council meeting took place would help to ease tensions in the Middle East and prevent an escalation of the conflict.
"The message that must be taken from this meeting is the violence must stop," he said, adding that the council was prepared to meet again on Gaza if necessary.
The Palestinians Authority had asked the council to issue a statement urging Israel to halt its offensive, but no such declaration was agreed.
Israel launched a new major offensive against Hamas in Gaza on Wednesday, killing Hamas' military commander in an air strike and threatening an invasion of the enclave that the Islamist group said would "open the gates of hell."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's press office said earlier in two separate statements that he spoke on the telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mohamed Mursi of Egypt.
"(Ban) expressed his concern (to Netanyahu) about the deteriorating situation in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, which includes an alarming escalation of indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and the targeted killing by Israel of a Hamas military operative in Gaza," the United Nations said.
Ban also voiced his expectation that "Israeli reactions are measured so as not to provoke a new cycle of bloodshed."
He also discussed with Mursi "the need to prevent any further deterioration," the United Nations said.
US President Barack Obama also spoke with Netanyahu and Mursi and reiterated US support for Israel's right to self-defense in light of rocket attacks from Gaza, the White House said.
"The president urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. The two agreed that Hamas needs to stop its attacks on Israel to allow the situation to de-escalate," the White House statement said.
Security commander Habes Masmah, 30, was targeted while riding a motorcycle east of Khan Younis, medics said. His body was taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Two members of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades were also killed in the attack. They were identified as Wael Haidar al-Ghalban and Hisham Muhammad al-Ghalban.
The Israeli military targeted 100 "rocket launch and infrastructure sites" across the Gaza Strip overnight, an army statement said early Thursday.
"This has significantly damaged the rocket launch capabilities and munitions warehouses operated by Hamas and other terror organizations," the statement said.
"The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza strip and damage their further build up."
The attack on Khan Younis brought to 11 the number of Palestinians killed since Wednesday afternoon, when Israel killed a top Hamas security commander in a targeted assassination.
Three children and an elderly man were among eight killed Wednesday.
No action at UN
In New York, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the Israeli strikes against the Gaza Strip but took no action, as Israel threatened a wider offensive.
Indian Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, president of the 15-nation Security Council this month, told reporters after the 90-minute closed-door meeting that council members had only agreed to issue a communique stating that an emergency meeting took place and other procedural details.
Speaking on behalf of India, not the Security Council, Puri expressed the hope that the fact the council meeting took place would help to ease tensions in the Middle East and prevent an escalation of the conflict.
"The message that must be taken from this meeting is the violence must stop," he said, adding that the council was prepared to meet again on Gaza if necessary.
The Palestinians Authority had asked the council to issue a statement urging Israel to halt its offensive, but no such declaration was agreed.
Israel launched a new major offensive against Hamas in Gaza on Wednesday, killing Hamas' military commander in an air strike and threatening an invasion of the enclave that the Islamist group said would "open the gates of hell."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's press office said earlier in two separate statements that he spoke on the telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mohamed Mursi of Egypt.
"(Ban) expressed his concern (to Netanyahu) about the deteriorating situation in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, which includes an alarming escalation of indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and the targeted killing by Israel of a Hamas military operative in Gaza," the United Nations said.
Ban also voiced his expectation that "Israeli reactions are measured so as not to provoke a new cycle of bloodshed."
He also discussed with Mursi "the need to prevent any further deterioration," the United Nations said.
US President Barack Obama also spoke with Netanyahu and Mursi and reiterated US support for Israel's right to self-defense in light of rocket attacks from Gaza, the White House said.
"The president urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. The two agreed that Hamas needs to stop its attacks on Israel to allow the situation to de-escalate," the White House statement said.
Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has recalled his country's ambassador from Tel Aviv in protest at the Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip. Morsi asked Foreign Ministry officials to hand the Israeli ambassador in Cairo an official protest about Israel attack on Gaza in which babies and children have been killed.
The president has also asked his representative at the UN to request a special meeting of the Security Council to discuss the on-going Israeli violence. Commentators point out that this would give the United States an opportunity to apply its veto and protect Israel from international censure.
Earlier, when Egypt called on Israel to halt its operations against the Strip, it was told: "It is impossible to halt such operations as they have not achieved their goals yet."
Media sources, meanwhile, claim that the Israeli ambassador to Egypt has already left the country. No more details are available.
The president has also asked his representative at the UN to request a special meeting of the Security Council to discuss the on-going Israeli violence. Commentators point out that this would give the United States an opportunity to apply its veto and protect Israel from international censure.
Earlier, when Egypt called on Israel to halt its operations against the Strip, it was told: "It is impossible to halt such operations as they have not achieved their goals yet."
Media sources, meanwhile, claim that the Israeli ambassador to Egypt has already left the country. No more details are available.
Over 80 rockets fired at Israel on Wednesday; more than 20 rockets intercepted by Iron Dome System; Israeli cabinet authorizes IDF to expand operations if needed.
Israel launched a military operation in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, killing Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari in an airstrike and targeting weapons warehouses and long-range rocket launchers.
Following four days of escalation on the Israel-Gaza border, Israel renewed its policy of targeted assassinations, killing the head of Hamas' military wing. Jabari, 52, was the man behind the abduction of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006.
A total of 85 rockets hit Israel over the course of the day on Wednesday, 28 Israelis suffered from anxiety and two were lightly injured. The Iron Dome System intercepted 27 rockets and Ashdod and Be'er Sheva suffered property damage.
Wednesday night, the security cabinet authorized the IDF to draft reserve soldiers in order to expand the Gaza operation if necessary. The forum of senior cabinet ministers also authorized the prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister to decide on expanding the operation if needed, pending the approval of the security cabinet.
Hamas and Palestinian medical officials said an Israeli airstrike hit a car in Gaza City, killing Jabari and a passenger.
The Shin Bet security service confirmed it had carried out the attack, citing Jabari's "decade-long terrorist activity" as the reason.
RanaGaza Recorded sounds: Israeli F16, explosions and drones -- enhanced quality.
feedback appreciated
Operation Pillar of Cloud will be Cast Lead 2
Israel launched a military operation in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, killing Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari in an airstrike and targeting weapons warehouses and long-range rocket launchers.
Following four days of escalation on the Israel-Gaza border, Israel renewed its policy of targeted assassinations, killing the head of Hamas' military wing. Jabari, 52, was the man behind the abduction of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006.
A total of 85 rockets hit Israel over the course of the day on Wednesday, 28 Israelis suffered from anxiety and two were lightly injured. The Iron Dome System intercepted 27 rockets and Ashdod and Be'er Sheva suffered property damage.
Wednesday night, the security cabinet authorized the IDF to draft reserve soldiers in order to expand the Gaza operation if necessary. The forum of senior cabinet ministers also authorized the prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister to decide on expanding the operation if needed, pending the approval of the security cabinet.
Hamas and Palestinian medical officials said an Israeli airstrike hit a car in Gaza City, killing Jabari and a passenger.
The Shin Bet security service confirmed it had carried out the attack, citing Jabari's "decade-long terrorist activity" as the reason.
RanaGaza Recorded sounds: Israeli F16, explosions and drones -- enhanced quality.
feedback appreciated
Operation Pillar of Cloud will be Cast Lead 2
Canada's Foreign Minister John Baird said Wednesday that Ottawa backed Israel over Hamas after violence flared into the Gaza Strip following an Israeli assassination.
“We fundamentally believe that Israel has the right to defend itself and its citizens from terrorist threats," Baird said in a statement.
“Far too often, the Jewish people find themselves on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism, the great struggle of our generation. Just last weekend, more than 100 rockets rained down on civilians in southern Israel from positions in the Gaza Strip.
“Canada condemns the terrorist group Hamas and stands with Israel as it deals with regional threats to peace and security.”
“We fundamentally believe that Israel has the right to defend itself and its citizens from terrorist threats," Baird said in a statement.
“Far too often, the Jewish people find themselves on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism, the great struggle of our generation. Just last weekend, more than 100 rockets rained down on civilians in southern Israel from positions in the Gaza Strip.
“Canada condemns the terrorist group Hamas and stands with Israel as it deals with regional threats to peace and security.”
The UN Security Council will hold a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss Israeli strikes against the Gaza Strip, France said.
The French UN mission announced on its Twitter feed that the meeting would be a "closed private debate" beginning at 9:00 p.m. eastern US time.
Council diplomats said Israeli and Palestinian envoys would speak at the meeting.
The French UN mission announced on its Twitter feed that the meeting would be a "closed private debate" beginning at 9:00 p.m. eastern US time.
Council diplomats said Israeli and Palestinian envoys would speak at the meeting.
US Press Statement
Mark C. Toner Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
We strongly condemn the barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, and we regret the death and injury of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians caused by the ensuing violence.
There is no justification for the violence that Hamas and other terrorist organizations are employing against the people of Israel. We call on those responsible to stop these cowardly acts immediately. We support Israel’s right to defend itself, and we encourage Israel to continue to take every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Hamas claims to have the best interests of the Palestinian people at heart, yet it continues to engage in violence that is counterproductive to the Palestinian cause. Attacking Israel on a near daily basis does nothing to help Palestinians in Gaza or to move the Palestinian people any closer to achieving self determination.
Twitter: Michael J Rosenberg Hey Obama: when u write your memoirs telling how bad you felt about allowing the slaughter of Gaza, it will be too damn late.
over 65 Israeli airstrikes today
Israel: we will continues attacks at all cost
Another attack in the center of Gaza
We strongly condemn the barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, and we regret the death and injury of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians caused by the ensuing violence.
There is no justification for the violence that Hamas and other terrorist organizations are employing against the people of Israel. We call on those responsible to stop these cowardly acts immediately. We support Israel’s right to defend itself, and we encourage Israel to continue to take every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Hamas claims to have the best interests of the Palestinian people at heart, yet it continues to engage in violence that is counterproductive to the Palestinian cause. Attacking Israel on a near daily basis does nothing to help Palestinians in Gaza or to move the Palestinian people any closer to achieving self determination.
Twitter: Michael J Rosenberg Hey Obama: when u write your memoirs telling how bad you felt about allowing the slaughter of Gaza, it will be too damn late.
over 65 Israeli airstrikes today
Israel: we will continues attacks at all cost
Another attack in the center of Gaza
GRAPHIC VIDEO !
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14-15 nov 2012
Two Palestinians were killed, four others two injured, one critical, by Israeli air strikes targeting Gaza city on Wednesday afternoon.
Local sources said that an Israeli military unmanned plane fired a missile at a car near Gaza City hospital killing Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52, and Mohamed al-Hiems, 30.
Four others were injured one critical. Al-Ja’bari was a commander of the al-Qassam Brigades of the Hamas movement.
Another air raid targeted a civilian car near the Gaza city port on Wednesday afternoon. Local sources said that two men who were inside the car were injured and moved to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile Israeli F16 fighter-jets fired missiles at residents’ homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.
Yesterday a resistance fighter died of wounds suffered last Saturday during the latest wave of Israeli military escalation against the coastal region.
The death of the two men today brings the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army since Saturday to ten, including a 15 and 17 year-old brother, while dozens of residents, including children, were injured by Israeli fire and shells in the coastal region.
Local sources said that an Israeli military unmanned plane fired a missile at a car near Gaza City hospital killing Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52, and Mohamed al-Hiems, 30.
Four others were injured one critical. Al-Ja’bari was a commander of the al-Qassam Brigades of the Hamas movement.
Another air raid targeted a civilian car near the Gaza city port on Wednesday afternoon. Local sources said that two men who were inside the car were injured and moved to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile Israeli F16 fighter-jets fired missiles at residents’ homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.
Yesterday a resistance fighter died of wounds suffered last Saturday during the latest wave of Israeli military escalation against the coastal region.
The death of the two men today brings the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army since Saturday to ten, including a 15 and 17 year-old brother, while dozens of residents, including children, were injured by Israeli fire and shells in the coastal region.
A series of Israeli air raids on Gaza Strip on Wednesday killed seven Palestinians including an 11-month-old baby and a three-year-old child and the chief commander of the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, Ahmed Al-Ja’bari.
Medical sources said that seven Palestinians were killed so far in the raids, including four of the Qassam Brigades, while 20 others were wounded.
The raids targeted different areas in north, central, and south Gaza Strip with repeated raids on Zaitun suburb to the south of Gaza city.
Hebrew daily Maariv said that Israeli chief of staff Benny Gantz was personally supervising the operation that was dubbed “Cloud Pillar”.
Medical sources said that seven Palestinians were killed so far in the raids, including four of the Qassam Brigades, while 20 others were wounded.
The raids targeted different areas in north, central, and south Gaza Strip with repeated raids on Zaitun suburb to the south of Gaza city.
Hebrew daily Maariv said that Israeli chief of staff Benny Gantz was personally supervising the operation that was dubbed “Cloud Pillar”.
Gaza Health Ministry announced a permanent state of emergency in the Gaza Strip following the fall of a number of martyrs and wounded due to the intensive airstrikes that targeted different parts of the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry of Health confirmed during a press conference at the al-Shifa Medical Compound, on Wednesday evening, that the ministry, ambulance crews, the reception, the emergency, and operating rooms are all in a permanent state of emergency since a week ago, pointing out that what happened today came after previous similar attacks.
The Ministry of Health called to stop the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation against the Gaza Strip.
It reported that the number of martyrs has increased to 7 martyrs, including two little girls aged 5 years, and wounding 30 people with various injuries.
The Ministry of Health has explained during the conference that it is witnessing a chronic crisis especially with the increasing injuries.
The Gaza Health Ministry called on the Arab and Islamic world and international bodies to send emergency aid to the Gaza Strip and to provide urgent medical supplies and drugs to deal with the serious injuries and cases.
The Ministry of Health confirmed during a press conference at the al-Shifa Medical Compound, on Wednesday evening, that the ministry, ambulance crews, the reception, the emergency, and operating rooms are all in a permanent state of emergency since a week ago, pointing out that what happened today came after previous similar attacks.
The Ministry of Health called to stop the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation against the Gaza Strip.
It reported that the number of martyrs has increased to 7 martyrs, including two little girls aged 5 years, and wounding 30 people with various injuries.
The Ministry of Health has explained during the conference that it is witnessing a chronic crisis especially with the increasing injuries.
The Gaza Health Ministry called on the Arab and Islamic world and international bodies to send emergency aid to the Gaza Strip and to provide urgent medical supplies and drugs to deal with the serious injuries and cases.
Palestinians sources announced that Israeli fighter jets and unmanned drowns conducted a number of air strikes targeting central and southern Gaza Strip as a result five civilians were killed. The sources added that the Israeli shelling targeted residential areas in Gaza City and Khan Younis.
The Health Ministry in Gaza said that among those killed on Wednesday evening are Ahmad Misharawi, 11 month old, Ranan Arafat, 7 years old, Issam Abu Izah, 23 years old, and Mohamed Al Kasih, 19 years old
Moreover the Health Ministry announced that 12 residents were injured, among them critical cases. In the meantime Palestinian resistance groups responded by firing home-made shells and rockets at Israeli targets near the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Wednesday afternoon two Palestinians were killed, four others two injured, one critical, by Israeli air strikes targeting Gaza city. Local sources said that an Israeli military unmanned plane fired a missile at a car near Gaza City hospital killing Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52, and Mohamed al-Hiems, 30. Four others were injured one critical. Al-Ja’bari was a commander of the al-Qassam Brigades of the Hamas movement.
Another air raid targeted a civilian car near the Gaza city port on Wednesday afternoon. Local sources said that two men who were inside the car were injured and moved to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile Israeli F16 fighter-jets fired missiles at residents’ homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.
Yesterday a resistance fighter died of wounds suffered last Saturday during the latest wave of Israeli military escalation against the coastal region.
The death of the seven today it brings the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army since Saturday to 17. While dozens of residents, including children, were injured by Israeli fire and shells in the coastal region.
The Health Ministry in Gaza said that among those killed on Wednesday evening are Ahmad Misharawi, 11 month old, Ranan Arafat, 7 years old, Issam Abu Izah, 23 years old, and Mohamed Al Kasih, 19 years old
Moreover the Health Ministry announced that 12 residents were injured, among them critical cases. In the meantime Palestinian resistance groups responded by firing home-made shells and rockets at Israeli targets near the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Wednesday afternoon two Palestinians were killed, four others two injured, one critical, by Israeli air strikes targeting Gaza city. Local sources said that an Israeli military unmanned plane fired a missile at a car near Gaza City hospital killing Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52, and Mohamed al-Hiems, 30. Four others were injured one critical. Al-Ja’bari was a commander of the al-Qassam Brigades of the Hamas movement.
Another air raid targeted a civilian car near the Gaza city port on Wednesday afternoon. Local sources said that two men who were inside the car were injured and moved to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile Israeli F16 fighter-jets fired missiles at residents’ homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.
Yesterday a resistance fighter died of wounds suffered last Saturday during the latest wave of Israeli military escalation against the coastal region.
The death of the seven today it brings the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army since Saturday to 17. While dozens of residents, including children, were injured by Israeli fire and shells in the coastal region.
10 killed in Gaza already, including 4 years old Renan Arafat
car of Ahmed al-Jabari
RT Death toll at least 9 after Israeli attacks, one kid - Palestinian health ministry official in Gaza. LIVE UPDATES
Confirmed Names
Shuhad Ahmad Masharawi, 11 months
Omar Al-Mashharawi, 1
Ranan Yousif Arafat, 7
Mohammed Ibrahim, 18
Mohamed Al Kasih, 19
Essam Al ma’si, 19
Heba Adel Al Mashharawy, 19 pregnant with twins
Issam Abu Izah, 23
Mohamed al-Hiems, 30
Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52
Abu Alsoawin in Nusseirat, 65
RT Death toll at least 9 after Israeli attacks, one kid - Palestinian health ministry official in Gaza. LIVE UPDATES
Confirmed Names
Shuhad Ahmad Masharawi, 11 months
Omar Al-Mashharawi, 1
Ranan Yousif Arafat, 7
Mohammed Ibrahim, 18
Mohamed Al Kasih, 19
Essam Al ma’si, 19
Heba Adel Al Mashharawy, 19 pregnant with twins
Issam Abu Izah, 23
Mohamed al-Hiems, 30
Ahmad al-Ja’bari, 52
Abu Alsoawin in Nusseirat, 65
a father with his son who was killed and burned in the Israeli raid
The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to take a stand on Israel's latest offensive in the Gaza Strip, which it said in a letter to the council amounted to "illegal criminal actions."
"This escalation, which continues at this moment, demands the attention of the international community, including the Security Council, with the aim of averting the further deterioration and destabilization of the situation on the ground and the fueling by Israel of yet another deadly cycle of violence and bloodshed," said Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour.
In a letter to Indian UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, president of the 15-nation council this month, Mansour added that "a direct message must be sent to Israel to cease its military campaign against the Palestinian people under its occupation, including the cessation of extrajudicial killing."
Israel launched a major offensive against Palestinian militants in Gaza on Wednesday, killing the military commander of Hamas in an air strike and threatening an invasion of the enclave that the Islamist group vowed would "open the gates of hell".
Hamas, not the Palestinian Authority, controls Gaza.
Egypt, whose new Islamist government is still honoring the 1979 peace agreement with Israel, condemned the raids on Gaza as a threat to regional security and withdrew its ambassador from Israel. It also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
A spokesman for the Indian UN mission did not respond immediately to a query about whether the council planned to meet soon about Gaza.
The Security Council has difficulty reaching consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, council diplomats say, since the United States works hard to prevent it from taking action that would annoy its close ally Israel.
The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to take a stand on Israel's latest offensive in the Gaza Strip, which it said in a letter to the council amounted to "illegal criminal actions."
"This escalation, which continues at this moment, demands the attention of the international community, including the Security Council, with the aim of averting the further deterioration and destabilization of the situation on the ground and the fueling by Israel of yet another deadly cycle of violence and bloodshed," said Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour.
In a letter to Indian UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, president of the 15-nation council this month, Mansour added that "a direct message must be sent to Israel to cease its military campaign against the Palestinian people under its occupation, including the cessation of extrajudicial killing."
Israel launched a major offensive against Palestinian militants in Gaza on Wednesday, killing the military commander of Hamas in an air strike and threatening an invasion of the enclave that the Islamist group vowed would "open the gates of hell".
Hamas, not the Palestinian Authority, controls Gaza.
Egypt, whose new Islamist government is still honoring the 1979 peace agreement with Israel, condemned the raids on Gaza as a threat to regional security and withdrew its ambassador from Israel. It also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
A spokesman for the Indian UN mission did not respond immediately to a query about whether the council planned to meet soon about Gaza.
The Security Council has difficulty reaching consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, council diplomats say, since the United States works hard to prevent it from taking action that would annoy its close ally Israel.
The Israeli cabinet gave preliminary authorization on Wednesday for the mobilization of military reserves if required to press an air assault against the Gaza Strip.
Ministers convened in Jerusalem agreed "to allow the (Israeli army) to enlist reserve forces in accordance with the need and the authorization of the defense minister," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
idfspokesperson Our blessed hands will reach your leaders and soldiers wherever they are (You Opened Hell Gates on Yourselves)
Ministers convened in Jerusalem agreed "to allow the (Israeli army) to enlist reserve forces in accordance with the need and the authorization of the defense minister," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
idfspokesperson Our blessed hands will reach your leaders and soldiers wherever they are (You Opened Hell Gates on Yourselves)
Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani on Wednesday condemned the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip that killed Hamas's top military commander and at least six other Palestinians and said they should not go unpunished.
"I condemn in the name of Qatar...
This filthy crime must not pass without a punishment," Sheikh Hamad told journalists after a meeting in the Saudi capital between Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers and their Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Syria.
"The U.N. Security Council must shoulder its responsibilities in preserving peace and security in the world."
"I condemn in the name of Qatar...
This filthy crime must not pass without a punishment," Sheikh Hamad told journalists after a meeting in the Saudi capital between Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers and their Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Syria.
"The U.N. Security Council must shoulder its responsibilities in preserving peace and security in the world."
Israel's army launched multiple airstrikes across the Gaza Strip after killing the head of Hamas' military wing on Wednesday.
Palestinian officials identified six people killed in Wednesday's strikes, including 7-year-old Ranan Arafat in the Zeitun neighborhood of Gaza City.
An 11-month-old, Ahmad Masharawi, was killed by a tank shell on his family home in the Shujaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City, a Ma'an reporter said.
Medics identified the other casualties as 20-year-old Hamas fighter Issam Abu Miza and 19-year-old Hani al-Kaseeh.
Gaza's health ministry said ten people had died, including three children and a woman pregnant with twins, while about 40 were wounded.
Amid the airstrikes, army tanks shelled border areas of Gaza in south and the Israeli navy shelled a Hamas security position from the sea.
Palestinian officials identified six people killed in Wednesday's strikes, including 7-year-old Ranan Arafat in the Zeitun neighborhood of Gaza City.
An 11-month-old, Ahmad Masharawi, was killed by a tank shell on his family home in the Shujaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City, a Ma'an reporter said.
Medics identified the other casualties as 20-year-old Hamas fighter Issam Abu Miza and 19-year-old Hani al-Kaseeh.
Gaza's health ministry said ten people had died, including three children and a woman pregnant with twins, while about 40 were wounded.
Amid the airstrikes, army tanks shelled border areas of Gaza in south and the Israeli navy shelled a Hamas security position from the sea.
rare photo shown for the first time, the Hamas leader Ahmed Jabari, taken in the prisons of the occupation in 1987
Earlier, an Israeli jet hit a vehicle in Gaza City, killing al-Qassam Brigades leader Ahmad al-Jaabari, and his aide Muhammad Al-Hums.
The assassination was followed by strikes on Hamas police and security forces headquarters across the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army said it was targeting long range rockets sites and said Gaza "has turned it into a frontal base for Iran firing rockets and carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens."
sraeli military sources said many of the munition depots were within civilian, residential buildings, but they blamed Hamas for using civilians as human shields.
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza militants after five days of violence which left seven Palestinians dead and at least 50 injured.
Following the assassination of al-Jaabari, immediate calls for revenge were broadcast over Hamas radio and the al-Qassam brigades vowed to strike back. "The occupation has opened the doors of hell," Hamas' armed wing said in a statement.
"Israel has declared war on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences," Islamic Jihad said.
The spokesman of the Popular Resistance Committees said with al-Jaabari's assassination, "Israel has opened the gates of hell."
Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service said it had killed al-Jaabari because of his "decade-long terrorist activity".
"The purpose of this operation was to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure," Israeli military sources said.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV.
Israeli news site Ynet said Israeli troops were being moved to the south ahead of a possible ground offensive in Gaza.
Earlier, an Israeli jet hit a vehicle in Gaza City, killing al-Qassam Brigades leader Ahmad al-Jaabari, and his aide Muhammad Al-Hums.
The assassination was followed by strikes on Hamas police and security forces headquarters across the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army said it was targeting long range rockets sites and said Gaza "has turned it into a frontal base for Iran firing rockets and carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens."
sraeli military sources said many of the munition depots were within civilian, residential buildings, but they blamed Hamas for using civilians as human shields.
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza militants after five days of violence which left seven Palestinians dead and at least 50 injured.
Following the assassination of al-Jaabari, immediate calls for revenge were broadcast over Hamas radio and the al-Qassam brigades vowed to strike back. "The occupation has opened the doors of hell," Hamas' armed wing said in a statement.
"Israel has declared war on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences," Islamic Jihad said.
The spokesman of the Popular Resistance Committees said with al-Jaabari's assassination, "Israel has opened the gates of hell."
Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service said it had killed al-Jaabari because of his "decade-long terrorist activity".
"The purpose of this operation was to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure," Israeli military sources said.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV.
Israeli news site Ynet said Israeli troops were being moved to the south ahead of a possible ground offensive in Gaza.
14 nov 2012
File photo of Ahmad al-Jabari during the release of Gilad Shalit
An Israeli official said Wednesday the assassination of Hamas' top commander in the Gaza Strip was not the end of Israel's assault on the coastal territory and more strikes would follow.
Ahmed al-Jaabari, Hamas's military chief, was killed when his car was hit by an Israeli airstrike. Multiple other Israeli attacks rocked the Gaza Strip.
An Israeli official said Wednesday the assassination of Hamas' top commander in the Gaza Strip was not the end of Israel's assault on the coastal territory and more strikes would follow.
Ahmed al-Jaabari, Hamas's military chief, was killed when his car was hit by an Israeli airstrike. Multiple other Israeli attacks rocked the Gaza Strip.
By Dan Williams
Israel's aerial assault on the Gaza Strip on Wednesday could draw cross-border Palestinian rocket attacks and stretch into days of fighting, the Israeli military spokesman said.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV after Israeli air strikes killed the military chief of Gaza's Hamas government.
"The homefront must brace itself resiliently."
Israel's aerial assault on the Gaza Strip on Wednesday could draw cross-border Palestinian rocket attacks and stretch into days of fighting, the Israeli military spokesman said.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV after Israeli air strikes killed the military chief of Gaza's Hamas government.
"The homefront must brace itself resiliently."
Hamas' military chief was killed by an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday as multiple attacks struck the Gaza Strip, Hamas and Israel said, ending what had appeared to be a tacit truce between both sides.
Ahmed al-Jaabari, who ran the organization's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, died along with another passenger after their car was targeted by an Israeli missile, Hamas said.
He was later confirmed as al-Jaabari deputy Muhammad al-Hums.
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza militants after five days of violence which left seven Palestinians dead and at least 50 injured.
"Israel has declared war on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences," Islamic Jihad said.
Witnesses told Ma'an they heard two huge explosions near a public service hospital in Gaza City and the Gaza port.
Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service confirmed it had carried out the attack, saying it had killed Jaabri because of his "decade-long terrorist activity".
"The purpose of this operation was to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure," Israeli military sources said.
Israel's army said it had targeted a "significant number of long range rockets sites (over 40km) owned by Hamas," in attacks that Israeli officials said could last for days.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV after Israeli air strikes killed the military chief of Gaza's Hamas government.
"The homefront must brace itself resiliently."
Wasseem el-Sarraj, a researcher and activist based in Gaza City, described the scene.
"I was at home in Gaza City, and I heard a loud explosion. It later became clear that it was an assassination. Since that point, we've had intense drone activity and bombing that's been sustained.
"I am at home with two young children, and this is very worrying to all of us. We are expecting the worst over the next couple of days," el-Sarraj said.
Ahmed al-Jaabari, who ran the organization's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, died along with another passenger after their car was targeted by an Israeli missile, Hamas said.
He was later confirmed as al-Jaabari deputy Muhammad al-Hums.
The attack came despite signs that Egypt had managed to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza militants after five days of violence which left seven Palestinians dead and at least 50 injured.
"Israel has declared war on Gaza and they will bear the responsibility for the consequences," Islamic Jihad said.
Witnesses told Ma'an they heard two huge explosions near a public service hospital in Gaza City and the Gaza port.
Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service confirmed it had carried out the attack, saying it had killed Jaabri because of his "decade-long terrorist activity".
"The purpose of this operation was to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure," Israeli military sources said.
Israel's army said it had targeted a "significant number of long range rockets sites (over 40km) owned by Hamas," in attacks that Israeli officials said could last for days.
"The days we face in the south will, in my estimation, prove protracted," Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai told Channel 2 TV after Israeli air strikes killed the military chief of Gaza's Hamas government.
"The homefront must brace itself resiliently."
Wasseem el-Sarraj, a researcher and activist based in Gaza City, described the scene.
"I was at home in Gaza City, and I heard a loud explosion. It later became clear that it was an assassination. Since that point, we've had intense drone activity and bombing that's been sustained.
"I am at home with two young children, and this is very worrying to all of us. We are expecting the worst over the next couple of days," el-Sarraj said.
Israeli aircraft attacked a car in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, critically wounding two passengers, the enclave's Hamas government said.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the incident, which appeared to end a 24-hour lull in cross-border violence that surged this week.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the incident, which appeared to end a 24-hour lull in cross-border violence that surged this week.
