Israel ready for weeks of hostilities in Gaza

Starting the fifth day of Israel’s largest offensive in Gaza in four years of conflict, army commanders were today talking of a weeks-long operation, while officials looked even further ahead – to Israel’s planned evacuation of settlements from Gaza next year.

Ambulances brought the bodies of three Palestinians to a Gaza hospital. Rescue workers said the bodies were found near the Jebaliya refugee camp, focus of the fighting, but it was not clear how they died or who they were. A tank was seen at the end of the street, and residents reported gunfire.