Israel's armed forces and Palestinian militants continue to escalate what is starting to look like a full-fledged war. With rocket attacks increasing, the rhetoric is brewing with both sides stating openly that they are willing to escalate the situation.
The Health Ministry on the Gaza Strip, reports that at least 26 people had been killed by airstrikes in the territory, including nine children, and Israeli officials say that others have also been killed.
According to the BBC, "Hamas said it had fired 137 rockets at Ashkelon and nearby Ashdod in the space of five minutes, and warned it had 'many surprises' prepared if the fighting continued."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that after making "a situational assessment, it was decided that both the might of the attacks and the frequency of the attacks will be increased" on Gaza.
"Hamas will receive blows now that it didn't expect," he warned.
![a fire hydrant on the side of a road: What's behind latest Mideast attacks? 08:55]({"default":{"load":"default","w":"64","h":"36","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gCaAp.img?h=360&w=640&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gCaAp.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gCaAp.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
© Provided by CBS News What's behind latest Mideast attacks? 08:55
![a group of people walking in front of a crowd: 200 Palestinians hurt in clashes 01:34]({"default":{"load":"default","w":"64","h":"36","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gBza4.img?h=360&w=640&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gBza4.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1gBza4.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
© Provided by CBS News 200 Palestinians hurt in clashes 01:34
Liberty Nation will keep you updated on this developing story.
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