Israeli Air Strikes Pound Gaza

Israel pounded Hamas-controlled Gaza with at least 13 air strikes early today just weeks after the White House launched a new peace effort in the Mideast. Four of the missile attacks occurred near a town where two Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes last week with Palestinian fighters. Israelis dropped leaflets yesterday warning residents of retaliatory attacks.

Tensions in the region are high since Israeli officials announced plans to build 1,600 new homes for Jews in East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians hope will serve as the capital of a future state. Officials told the BBC the attacks targeted 4 weapons factories. Farms, metal workshops, a milk factory and sites belonging to the Hamas military were struck, according to witnesses. (More Israel stories.)