(Newser Summary) – Israeli warplanes continued bombarding the Gaza Strip for a fourth day today, pushing the death toll close to 400, reports the New York Times. Israel vowed to continue the operation until all rocket fire from Gaza has ceased and Hamas' will is broken. "There is no room for a ceasefire," says Israel's foreign minister.
A barrage of Hamas rocket and mortar fire in response to the attacks killed four Israelis yesterday. Rescuers in Gaza are pulling relatives from the remains of buildings leveled by the attacks, and overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to cope. Families desperate for news are huddled around radios, and Hamas gunmen are publicly executing people suspected of collaborating with Israel. The border area has been declared a closed zone, leading many to believe an Israeli ground assault is imminent. Sources: New York Times, AFP, BBC
After this operation there will not be a single Hamas building left standing in Gaza, and we plan to change the rules of the game. - Israeli armed forces deputy chief of staff Brigadier General Dan Hare
