Israeli jets hit back as militants fire rockets

MILITANTS in Gaza fired rockets deep into Israel yesterday as aircraft struck targets in the Palestinian territory in the aftermath of the deadliest attack against Israelis in three years.

The attacks showed an escalation of the conflict a day after gunmen, who appear to come from Gaza and crossed into southern Israel through the Egyptian desert, ambushed civilian vehicles on a remote road, killing eight people.

Yesterday, militants in Gaza launched at least 17 rockets into Israel, the military said. One hit next to a synagogue in the port city of Ashdod and wounded six Israelis.

Israeli officials said they would respond to any attacks from Palestinian militants. But Israel's chief military spokesman, Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai, said it was "too early" to say that an escalation in Gaza was imminent. He said: "If we see Hamas is choosing to escalate, we will not hesitate to expand the scope of our actions, respond in strength and exact a price from Hamas."

Israeli aircraft hit five targets in Gaza in retaliation, the military said, killing five people, including one militant.

Thursday's attack signalled a new danger for Israel from its border with the Sinai Peninsula, which had been quiet under the rule of former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak.

Since he was deposed in February, the desert has become increasingly lawless.

The sudden spike in violence threatened to upset the already frayed ties between Israel and Egypt and escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.