Gaza militants fire rockets toward Israel's centre Hamas fire rockets at Israeli cities after Gaza is pounded by airstrikes as 40,000 reservists called up and tanks massed for 'planned operation' Air raid sirens sounded across Israel tonight as Hamas said it was targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa People evacuated Israel's Mediterranean beaches, running for shelter in nearby hotels Israeli military bombs 50 sites in Gaza, including homes, in air strikes and naval attacks as part of new offensive Troops have also been mobilised for possible ground invasion aimed at stopping recent barrage of rocket attacks Attacks by Israel come after cabinet approved 'hardening' of stance against Hamas as tanks mass on border Nearly 300 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel in recent weeks, including barrage of 80 projectiles yesterday Tensions mounting after killing of Palestinian boy, 16, in suspected revenge attack for deaths of three Israeli youths Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel tonight as the country's armed forces stepped up their offensive in the Gaza Strip. A series of explosions hit Jerusalem as apparent rocket attacks were carried out by Hamas which has seen its territory in Gaza pounded by airstrikes throughout the day. On Tuesday night the group said it had launched rocket attacks against three Israeli cities - Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa - but authorities said there had been no casualties. Israeli officials said a rocket had landed in Hadera,100km (60 miles) from Gaza - further into the country than had previously been reached - and threatened to invade if the attacks didn't stop. Air raid sirens in the cities prompted people to flee Israel's Mediterranean beaches and take shelter in nearby hotels. On one of the beaches, Zikim, Israeli troops killed four Hamas gunmen who had crossed the Gaza border, according to officials. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military launched what could be a long-term offensive, striking more than 100 sites and mobilising 40,000 troops for a possible ground invasion aimed at stopping a heavy barrage of rocket attacks against Israel. At least 23 Palestinians, including five children, were killed in the air and sea attacks - thought to be the heaviest since a similar Israeli offensive in November 2012 - Palestinian officials said. The Israeli military said the open-ended operation aims to deliver a blow against the Islamic Hamas group, and end the rocket fire that has reached deeper into Israel. Israeli officials said the government had authorized the army to mobilize an additional 40,000 troops, if needed, for the operation. The army said there were no immediate plans to call up the troops but that they would be activated depending on operational needs. Israel has already mobilized about 1,500 reservists. Israel said it wants to quell the rocket fire which has intensified in recent weeks amid tensions over the killing of three Israeli teenagers and the apparent revenge killing of a Palestinian teenager. Nearly 300 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel in recent weeks, including a barrage of about 80 projectiles yesterday alone, the military said. Israel has responded with dozens of airstrikes. Eight Palestinian militants were killed yesterday. It had signalled it would not launch a larger offensive if the militant group Hamas ceased the rocket fire. Meanwhile, in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, holidaymakers and tourists were sent running for shelter in hotels as air raid sirens sounded, signalling incoming rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. Israel launched their 'Iron Dome' anti-missile defence rockets in retaliation, intercepting many of the Hamas missiles, according to officials. Military spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said: 'They chose the direction of escalation. So the mission will go on as long as we feel it is necessary to carry it out. We don't expect it to be a short mission on our behalf.' A mong the 50 sites the army said it targeted early today were four houses it said were 'activity sites' belonging to Hamas militants involved in launching rockets at Israel or other militant activity. There were no reported casualties in the strikes. The military said it also struck three militant compounds, 18 concealed rocket launchers, and other militant infrastructure sites. Most were targeted in airstrikes, and three were attacked from the sea. Gaza health official Ashraf Al-Kedra said at least nine Palestinian civilians were brought to a Gaza hospital with light to moderate injuries from the airstrikes, including several who suffered from shock. He said some of the injured Palestinians were treated and released. Lt Col Lerner said the army will gradually increase its attacks on Hamas in Gaza and is recruiting additional reservists for a potential ground invasion of the area.

• published: 09 Jul 2014
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