The death toll in Gaza from Israeli counter-terrorist operations Wednesday and Thursday reached 12 after Arab terrorists bombarded the western Negev with more than 50 rockets and mortar shells. Israeli helicopters and ground troops in northern Gaza led the operations.
Hamas blamed the Fatah-led government in Judea and Samaria for remaining silent, but Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas called on the United Nations to condemn Israel to end the "massacre" in Gaza. Hamas warned it will retaliate against "the Zionist enemy."