Gaza Conflict Escalates with Continued Rocket Fire and Air Strikes Despite Cease-Fire Efforts

Palestinian militants fired rockets towards Jerusalem and Israeli airstrikes killed a senior militant commander in Gaza, despite efforts to broker a cease-fire. The fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad has killed at least 33 Palestinians and an 80-year-old woman in central Israel. The Israeli military urged residents living within 40 kilometers of the Gaza boundary to remain close to bomb shelters and limit public gatherings until Saturday evening. The civilians deaths have drawn condemnation from the Arab world and concern from the United States and Europe.