Israel is conducting a series of air strikes throughout Gaza. CNN reports as many as eight air strikes in rapid succession, but the Jerusalem Post reports more than a dozen. The attacks began at approximately 19:00 Eastern time, 02:00 local time. IAF aircraft struck the Palestinian Interior Ministry in Gaza City. There was no word of casualties as smoke and flames rose from the building. The IDF called the site "a meeting place to plan and direct terror activity."

The IAF also struck Gaza City offices belonging to Fatah and an arms factory used by Hamas to store and manufacture weapons, the army reported. Other earlier reports indicate hitting a Hamas facility in Gaza City as well as roads and open fields in southern Gaza used by terror cells. IDF officials reported that the strike was carried out following rocket fire at Israeli communities.

Kidnapped IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit remains Missing in Action as a hostage to Palestinian terrorists.