New Israel-Gaza violence tests fragile ceasefire

Israel launched fresh strikes against Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza early Friday in response to rocket fire, underscoring the fragility of a ceasefire agreed after an escalation that killed 34 Palestinians.

The ceasefire began on Thursday morning following two days of fighting triggered by Israel's targeted killing of an Islamic Jihad commander.

The Israeli military said it carried out new strikes overnight against Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas.

They came after at least seven rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza, two of which were intercepted by air defences.

The military said it "views the violation of the ceasefire and rockets directed at Israel with great severity."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Abu al-Ata "was killed alongside dozens of terrorists" after the strike on his home, adding: "Our enemies got the message: We can reach anyone, even in their bed."
"Of course we try always to minimise the amount of non-combatants killed or injured."
"You are killing innocent children, sleeping at home."