Israeli airstrike hit Gaza, killing more than 200

Source: CCTV.com | 12-28-2008 09:58

Israeli warplanes have demolished dozens of Hamas security compounds across Gaza in an unprecedented wave of simultaneous air strikes. According to a senior Israeli military source, more than 200 people have been killed.

Gaza militants have responded by firing several rockets into southern Israel, killing at least one Israeli and wounding four others in the town of Netivot.

Hamas and medics reported that dozens of people were killed and that others were still buried under the rubble.

Hamas officials said all of Gaza's security compounds were destroyed.

Basem Naim, Hamas Health Minister said "Dozens of (inaudible) and wounded people arrived to hospital, many of the wounded people are in very serious conditions. Many of them are civilians, children, women - those who were around the targeted places. We're expecting an increasing number of (inaudible) because of the very serious injuries of the wounded people."

Some of the missiles struck in densely populated areas as children were leaving school. The Gaza police chief was reportedly among the dead.

Hamas leaders threatened revenge attacks, and Israel told its civilians near Gaza to take cover.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement, calling for restraint.

Yasser Abed Rabbo, Palestinian Presidential Aide said "We strongly condemn, as the Palestinian leadership, and in the name of President Abu Mazen, Mahmoud Abbas, the Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip. In this moment we express our solidarity with all the victims of this aggression and we call for an immediate halt and ending of this aggression against Gaza Strip."

Israel's military confirmed it carried out a series of air strikes on Hamas installations, but did not provide details.

Israel has warned in recent days it would strike back hard against continued rocket fire from Gaza on Israeli border towns.

Israel has targeted Gaza in the past, but the number of simultaneous attacks is unprecedented.

Editor:Xiong Qu