Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza early on Monday in response to rocket fire by the Islamist group Hamas, killing at least five Palestinian militants according to medics.

Israeli military authorities confirmed the strikes and said it had "targeted nine terror sites and concealed rocket launchers across the Gaza Strip." They said the attacks had made "direct hits."

Meanwhile, Hamas said six of its gunmen were killed. The attacks followed a surge in rocket strikes at Israel from Gaza, where Hamas is the dominant force.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to his cabinet on Sunday "to do whatever is necessary" to restore quiet to southern Israeli communities.

Increased tensions

The airstrikes follow the brutal murder of 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir on July 2, which sparked days of rioting in Arab towns and villages in northern Israel and east Jerusalem.

Israel has arrested six Jewish suspects in the teenager's kidnapping and slaying.

Police have cited a gag order barring publication of details about the suspects, but Israeli media have reported they include minors.

Many Palestinians claim that the boy, who was burned to death, was murdered by Jewish extremists. They believe that Khdeir's murder was an act of revenge for the deaths of three Israeli teenagers, who were kidnapped and murdered on June 12. Israel has blamed their deaths on Hamas, which denies any involvement.

hc/av (AFP, AP, Reuters)