Fifteen Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes

Israeli air strikes killed 15 militants in the Gaza Strip yesterday after Palestinian gunmen fired 30 rockets into the Jewish state, according to Palestinian health officials. Three strikes in total were launched.

Violence escalated after two rockets were fired at Israel from the coastal Hamas-ruled territory, shortly after which Israel blew up a car in Gaza City, killing two militant leaders.

It is thought to be the worst flare-up along the frontier for nearly a year.