Israel Continues Palestinian Offensive
An Israeli missile explodes on impact in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.
At least two dozen people are dead as an Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip continued Wednesday in an attempt to stop Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli targets.
Palestinian officials said some 23 people are dead in the attacks, which targeted several cities across Gaza Tuesday and Wednesday. The French news agency added that more than 100 people are believed to have been wounded in the assault. Israel has hinted that its effort could expand to include ground attacks.
Israel’s defense chief, Moshe Ya’alon, said Tuesday the Jewish state is prepared for a campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza, “which will not end within days.” Israel’s security Cabinet authorized the military to call up 40,000 reservists in addition to the 1,500 already mobilized.
The Israeli army said its air attacks, part of an assault it called “Operation Protective Edge,” struck more than 100 sites, including houses and rocket launch sites. Israel reported no casualties in the unprecedented attack.
In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest condemned the Hamas rocket attacks Tuesday and said Israel has the right to defend itself.
“Let me start by saying that we strongly condemn the continuing rocket fire into Israel and the deliberate targeting of civilians by terrorist organizations in Gaza. No country can accept rocket fire aimed at civilians, and we support Israel’s right to defend itself against these vicious attacks,” said Earnest.
Israeli tanks and other armored vehicles were seen massing near the Gaza border, and a military spokesman said the army was recruiting reserve troops for a potential ground mission.
Israeli President Shimon Peres said his country has no choice but to respond to the Hamas rockets fired into southern Israel.
The kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teenagers and a Palestinian youth have helped to further escalate tensions in the past week. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have condemned the acts and vowed to punish those responsible.
Israeli investigators said Monday that three of six Jewish suspects accused of killing 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir have confessed to the crime and re-enacted it for authorities. It is believed the Palestinian was killed as revenge for the deaths of the Israeli teens. Israel blames Hamas for the killing of the Israeli youths. Hamas has denied responsibility.
By: VOA