Israel continued its barrage of airstrikes on Gaza today, bringing the total death toll up to 11 and wounding more than 100, while a Palestinian rocket crashed into an apartment building in Kiryat Malachi, killing three and injuring several, including a baby, the New York Times reports. It was one of more than 130 rockets militants have launched into Israel since the attack began, but the first to inflict casualties.
Other developments in the burgeoning war:
- At least five civilians have been killed in Israel's assault, but in an effort to reduce such casualties Israel says it showered leaflets over Gaza warning residents to stay away from Hamas targets.
- For that matter, Israel sent a warning to Hamas as well: "We recommend that no Hamas operatives, whether low levels or senior leaders, show their faces above ground in the days ahead," the IDF tweeted.
- But 400 angry mourners took to the streets anyway to bury Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari, the AP reports. "God is Great," they chanted. "The revenge is coming."
- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi said his country stood by the Palestinians, and against "aggression that negatively affects the security and stability in the region." Egypt's foreign minister spoke with Hillary Clinton, urging "immediate US intervention" before "matters escalate out of control," the AP reports.
- Palestine has asked the UN Security Council for help. In a closed-door meeting of the Council, UN Observer Riyad Mansour said that "war crimes are being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people," and that "the international community must act."
- But while Susan Rice expressed regret for the injury of civilians on both sides, she said the US "strongly condemns" Palestine's almost daily barrage of rockets into Israel, which "does nothing but set back the Palestinian cause."
- Israel's attacks have already destroyed most of Hamas' stockpile of Fajr rockets, which could reduce the risk of escalation, NBC News reports. With a range of 47 miles, the rockets threatened Tel Aviv and other central Israeli cities. If one hit Tel Aviv, Israel would surely respond with ground troops.
- Israel, meanwhile, declared a state of emergency for people closer to the conflict; schools were closed within 25 miles of the border, and residents were warned to stay within a hundred yards of bomb shelters. "People won't be outside," a resident of Sderot said.
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