One rocket hits in open area of Palestinian village; IDF reserve officer wounded near Gaza; salvos of rockets hit Beersheba; IDF embarks on series of strikes in Gaza, hitting 11 terror cells and 30 launchers.

Before a decision is made whether to launch a ground offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to fully exhaust the diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term cease fire, following his conversation with US President Barack Obama on Monday.

An unfortunate mistake in Gaza was inevitable.

Some 120 rockets fired at South, 30 intercepted by Iron Dome

A series of polls show small portion of Israelis want ground operation, but even fewer support a ceasefire.

Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip, is overrun by extremists supported by Iran.
Several Gazan factions supported by Muslim countries compete in the military escalation against Israel.

Military operations may postpone January 22 general election.

European Union Foreign Ministers on Monday urged a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza crisis and condemned rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip ''which must cease immediately'', while calling on Israel to react ''proportionately'' to the attacks.

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Cairo says Israel was surprised by Hamas's capabilities; official in Jerusalem says Israel prefers diplomatic solution; Ban Ki-moon expected to arrive in Cairo.

“It cannot be argued that Gaza is occupied. Israel left Gaza willingly, yet they target our children as they are leaving for school,” Israeli President Shimon Peres told French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius who paid a one-day-visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on Sunday.