Israel continues bombing of Gaza as troops mass at border

Published on Monday 29 December 2008 09:16

AIR strikes continued to batter the Gaza Strip for a third day running today after Israel called up thousands of reserve soldiers ahead of a possible ground invasion.

Israeli air force jets bombed the Hamas-run interior ministry – the first time government buildings have come under fire – as part of its attempts to stop Gaza's ruling body from launching rocket attacks into Israel.

Bombers targeted a house next to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's home in a refugee camp next to Gaza City late last night, while smuggling tunnels were also hit. Haniyeh was not home as the Hamas leadership has gone into hiding.

Other targets hit today include the Islamic University and government compound in Gaza City, as well as a guest palace used by the Hamas government.

The continuing attacks came as the mayor of the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon said today a rocket fired by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip killed one person in the city.

Nearly 300 people are said to have been killed since the bombing started on the highly populated territory on Saturday, with around 1000 more wounded, including many civilians.

Israel looks poised to launch a ground assault on the Gaza Strip after the country's leaders approved a call-up of 6500 reserve soldiers.

The country has also doubled the number of troops on the Gaza border in the past two days.

Israel today insisted it will keep up its assault until militants stop launching rockets, with defence minister Ehud Barack warning that "the time has come to fight" and signalling willingness to put "boots on the ground".

The continuing campaign comes despite Foreign Secretary David Miliband joining other international calls for an immediate halt to the violence. Mr Miliband said: "The Prime Minister and I are following developments in Gaza with grave concern.

"The rise in rocket attacks on Israel since December 19, and yesterday's massive loss of life, make this a dangerous moment which should be of concern to the whole of the international community.

"The UK supports an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence."

After four hours of emergency talks last night, the United Nations Security Council upped the pressure on Tel Aviv.

A statement said: "The members of the security council expressed serious concern at the escalation of the situation in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to all violence."