Israeli airstrikes kill 13 Palestinians, including three Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes kill 13 Palestinians, including three Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza

Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday killing at least 13 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group, Islamic Jihad. Six women and four children were also among the dead, with another 20 people injured. Israel said the operation was launched to target militants who posed an imminent threat to its citizens.

Islamic Jihad has vowed revenge and Gaza-based militants are expected to respond with rocket fire into Israel. Israel officials are said to be preparing for days of fighting. The strikes were the deadliest since three days of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad last August.

What has caused the flare-up between Israel and Gaza-based militants?

Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday killing at least 13 Palestinians, including three commanders of the militant group, Islamic Jihad. Six women and four children were also among the dead, with another 20 people injured. Israel said the operation was launched to target militants who posed an imminent threat to its citizens.

Islamic Jihad has vowed revenge and Gaza-based militants are expected to respond with rocket fire into Israel. Israel officials are said to be preparing for days of fighting. The strikes were the deadliest since three days of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad last August.

What has caused the flare-up between Israel and Gaza-based militants?