Palestinian militants step up attacks against Israel

Palestinian militants fired at least 12 rockets into southern Israel on Sunday, with Israel promising to “widen its actions” if needed.

The violence in the Gaza Strip started three days ago, when gunmen - who Israel claims they come from the Gaza Strip – crossed into Israel near the Red Sea resort of Eilat via Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The gunmen killed eight people.

During that day, a further five Egyptian security personnel and seven gunmen were also killed.

Speaking on Israel Radio, the military chief spokesman said: “The Israel Defence Forces will not hesitate to widen its actions and to respond with as much force as is needed.”

According to news reports, Israel has killed at least 15 people in the air strikes carried out in the Gaza Strip since Thursday, including gunmen and five civilians. Israel said that more than 100 rockets have been fired from the Hamas Islamist-controlled enclave at its southern town and villages.