Israel has launched new attacks on the Gaza Strip following Palestinian calls for a ceasefire to end days of violence. Israel struck an uninhabited area of Gaza three times overnight, hours after Palestinian groups announced they would halt rocket fire on southern Israel if the Israeli military ceased the bombing. Israeli officials have threatened to escalate military actions in Gaza, raising fears of the worst violence since Israel invaded Gaza four years ago next month. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is free to use military force on Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “For the rights of our people to defend themselves, we’ll take whatever action is necessary to put a stop to this. This is not merely our right, it’s also our duty.”