120 reportedly killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza

Israel says ready to step up military assault after unprecedented attacks

GAZA CITY - Israeli aircraft struck Hamas security compounds across Gaza on Saturday in unprecedented  waves of simultaneous strikes. Hamas and medics reported that dozens of people were killed and that others were still buried under the rubble.

Meanwhile, Israel said it was ready to step up its military assault on the Gaza Strip, Reuters quoted an aide to Defense Minister Ehud Barak as saying.

"The operation will be pursued and widened as required and subject to (commanders') assessments," the aide told Reuters.

"We are facing a period that will not be simple or easy."

The strikes caused widespread panic and confusion, as black clouds of smoke rose above Gaza. Health Ministry official Moawiya Hassanain said at least 120 people were killed and more than 250 wounded.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28397813/

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{I have always said there is enough blood and guilt for everyone in the Israel/Palestinian issue. The two sides have been killing each other for so long it has become their culture. Seems to me the major problem is absolutism. Each side thinks they are absolutely right and the other side is absolutely wrong. This is often the case for their supporters and detractors as well. Everything is black and white for these people which makes compromise impossible.

Israel often is arrogant and stubborn and the Pals haven't helped their cause by voting in a terrorist group like Hamas as their government. In many ways the Israelis and the Palestinians are their own worse enemies. They continue to wash their hands in each others blood generation after generation.

There is very little we or anyone else can do. The problems must be solved by the principals involved. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians need leaders who will do what is best for their peoples to insure peace and prosperity. If any region in the world ever needed brave and selfless new leadership it's the Middle East. The last great peacemaker in the area was Anwar Sadat and he paid the ultimate price for his peace efforts. Ironically he was killed on orders from Osama Bin Laden whom we would hear from again. The peace Sadat generated between Egypt and Israel still holds. It is the legacy of a great man. Hopefully someday we will see his like again in that troubled region of the world.}