Hamas militants today released a recorded message from captured Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit, the first sign of life from the young serviceman since he was abducted exactly one year ago.

A 14-year-old girl was killed today in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip.

A statement from Palestinian groups purporting to hold an Israeli soldier have demanded the release of women and children under 18 held in Israeli prisons.

Prime minister Ehud Olmert today said he had ordered the army to prepare a “broad” military operation against militants in the Gaza Strip following the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier.