Gaza City, May 12: Israel and Gaza militants traded more heavy fire on Thursday, the third day of the worst escalation of violence in months that has killed 25 people in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.
Air strikes by the Israeli Army since Tuesday have killed fighters as well as civilians, including several children, said officials in the crowded coastal territory.
Cairo, meanwhile, mediated in efforts towards a truce between Israel and Islamic Jehadi militant group while France, Germany, Jordon and Egypt called for an end to the violence.
“This bloodletting must end now,” said German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock after hosting her three counterparts for talks in Berlin.
Militants in the Gaza strip have fired more than 500 rockets at Israel, causing no casualties so far, the Israeli military said.
Of these 500 rockets, 368 rockets made it over to the border, 154 were intercepted by the Iron Dome Missile Defense System, while 110 rockets fell inside Gaza strip.
Shops in Gaza were shuttered and the streets largely abandoned as Israeli military aircraft circled over the territory where several buildings lay in ruins.
Violence has also flared in the Occupied West Bank where the Israeli Army has staged repeated raids which have often flared into street clashes.
EOM.