Israeli military launches strikes on Gaza, killing Hamas leader, civilians

Despite an agreement mediated by Egypt to stop the violence, the Israeli military launched a barrage of strikes on Gaza today, assassinating a top Hamas military leader and killing civilians, including children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in a televised address.

“Today, in a very accurate way, we hit the Hamas targets and also the rockets which are attacking Israel, we have hit.”

Translation from Al Jazeera. Israeli officials say their offensive is a “widespread campaign” called Operation Pillar of Defense and published a video of the strike that killed Hamas military chief Ahmed Al-Jabari. Israeli military spokesperson Avital Leibovich said the attack is justified because of Hamas rocket fire into Israel.

“We went on offensive Operation Pillar of Defense in order to first and foremost defend the people of Israel. I’m speaking of one million Israelis that are currently living within the range of the rockets and this must be stopped. Ahmed Jabari is a terrorist that has Israeli blood on his hands, was involved in many terrorist activities against Israelis and this is why he was targeted in the car this afternoon. We will continue this operation as long as we need in order to defend the people of Israel.”

Gazans reported multiple strikes throughout the evening following the attack on Al-Jabari’s car and many injuries. Residents posting to social media described warships firing from the water and drones flying overhead. Photos posted online allegedly show a one and four year old killed in the attacks. For more we’re joined by FSRN’s Rami Almeghari from Gaza.