Israel is determined to fight a “war to the bitter end” with Hamas, Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared today, as Israeli fighters continued to level high-profile targets throughout Gaza. “We have nothing against the people of Gaza,” Barak said. “But this is an all-out war against Hamas and its branches.” Meanwhile an IAF missile strike killed four Islamic Jihad fighters, along with one of the men’s 8-year-old son.
Israeli fighters also hit ammunition stocks, Hamas military infrastructure, and tunnels in Gaza City and northern Gaza. One strike leveled a house next to the Hamas premier’s home. The 3-day death toll has hit at least 320. Despite the raids, more than 40 rockets were fired on Israel, killing one man and wounding eight others. (More Ehud Barak stories.)