Last Wednesday, Israeli forces assassinated Hamas leader Ahmed Jabari and targeted dozens of rocket launching sites in Gaza, in retaliation for Hamas rocket strikes in southern Israel. In response to the Israeli air strikes, Hamas launched rockets into Israel that have reached as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. At least 3 Israelis and 95 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the offensive, which the Israeli's have dubbed “Operation Pillar of Defense." After six days of air strikes, Israeli troops have begun to mobilize for a potential ground offensive into Gaza.
Analyst Comment: Hamas has the Iranian built Fajr-5 rocket with a range of 45 miles and a 200 pound warhead. The fighting continues to escalate in the region as major population centers such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are under fire. As a result, Israel has called up 75,000 reservists in preparation for a potential ground assault. At this time, Hamas has proposed conditions for a potential cease-fire however it is unclear if Israel will accept. Travelers should avoid all non-essential trips to Israel in the short term.