The deadly exchange of rocket fire throughout the Gaza Strip escalated overnight amid speculations of a possible ground invasion by the Israeli forces. The death toll rose to 19, including 12 civilians in Hamas-controlled Gaza ever since the recent unrest began while three deaths are reported in Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to hold its military offensive in the Gaza Strip during the Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil's visit, who will be on a three-hour visit to the besieged enclave in a show of support for the Palestinians. Egypt condemned the attack, appealed the UN Security Council to intervene in the crisis and has recalled its ambassador to Israel.
"We are in contact with the people of Gaza and with Palestinians and we stand by them until we stop the aggression," Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi said in a televised address, Reuters reported. "The Israelis must realize that this aggression is unacceptable and would only lead to instability in the region.".
As a representative of a popularly elected government during last year's Arab uprising, Kandil will attempt to negotiate a ceasefire. However, the Egyptian attempt would well be a limited effort because of its heavy dependence on the $2 billion U.S. aid. Meanwhile, Egypt's most organized group, the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, has urged the government to sever diplomatic relation with Israel for what it terms the atrocities in Gaza. The organization has called for nationwide protests to support the people of Gaza.
