Israel hits Gaza with 'unprecedented' strikes
Israel today targeted Hamas security compounds through the Gaza Strip, causing widespread panic.
The Israeli military confirmed it attacked Hamas security compounds with airstrikes.
Residents reported hearing two waves of explosions. In the first wave, there were at least 15 blasts.
Israel has targeted Gaza in the past, but the number of simultaneous attacks was unprecedented.
Many of the Hamas security compounds are in residential areas, and the airstrikes took place as children were leaving school.
Plumes of black smoke rose over Gaza City, sirens wailed through the streets and women frantically looked for their children. Civilians rushed to the targeted areas, trying to move the wounded in their cars to hospitals.
There was no sign of an accompanying Israeli ground offensive. In recent days, Israel has warned it would strike back hard for renewed rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli border towns.
In the West Bank, Hamas’ rival, moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in a statement that he “condemns this aggression” and called for restraint, according to an aide, Nabil Abu Rdeneh.
