Pattern of retaliation continues in Gaza

The Israeli Air Force has retaliated against Hamas installations in Gaza after attacks along the Egyptian border in which eight Israelis died. The attacks killed at least six Palestinians. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Locals said that three Hamas compounds in Gaza were targeted and bombed overnight. One of the victims of the attack was a leader of the local Popular Resistance Committees (PRC).  At least one of the victims was a child. Reports indicate that 17 others were wounded. The PRC has vowed to retaliate.

Israel has suffered a long-running conflict with the PRC, an armed faction that often operates alongside, and not under the control, of Hamas. 

The airstrikes come after ten or more rockets were fired indiscriminately into southern Israel on Friday, according to the Israeli military. The PRC is believed to be responsible for the attack.

Violence has been ongoing in the border region between Gaza and Israel. Shootings and suicide bombings have been common as well as armed confrontations with soldiers. 

Israeli strikes have also killed two Egyptian policemen according to the Egyptian military.  The killing of the policemen appears accidental as the Israelis were using a helicopter to pursue terrorist gunmen that ran into Egyptian territory and were near the Egyptian police at the time when it opened fire, hitting the Egyptians. 

Benjamin Netanyahtu has issued a firm warning to terrorists. "If the terror organizations think they can harm our citizens without a response, Israel will make them pay a very heavy price." He continued, "If you harm Israel, we will respond immediately and very strongly."

US Secretary of State Clinton also condemned Friday's terror attacks as, "brutal and cowardly," and voiced support for Israeli action.

Officials from around the world are observing the escalating violence in the region which shows no signs of abating anytime soon. Both sides promise retaliation.

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