FACTBOX: Developments in Israel-Gaza fighting

Mon Dec 29, 2008 9:34am EST
 
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(Reuters) - Israeli warplanes pounded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip for a third consecutive day on Monday and the Jewish state prepared to launch a possible invasion after killing 313 Palestinians in the air raids.

Following are developments in the fighting until 9 a.m. EST:

(* Denotes new or updated items)

* ASHKELON, Israel - A rocket salvo fired by Hamas forces from Gaza kills one person in Ashkelon, the second such fatality since Israeli bombing began on Saturday.

* RAFAH, Egypt - First group of wounded Palestinians cross the border from Gaza into Egypt after a day and a half of confusion and disagreement between the Islamist movement Hamas and the Egyptian government.

GAZA - Israeli warplanes bomb the Hamas-run Interior Ministry, the first air strike that targeted a government building in Israel's offensive, the Palestinian faction says. No casualties were reported.

GAZA - Hamas says an Israeli air strike destroys a laboratory building at the Islamic University, a significant cultural symbol of Hamas. Israel has accused Hamas of using the facilities to develop explosives and weapons.

GAZA - Israeli naval vessels pound Gaza port, aiming rounds at Hamas structures, an official from the organization's security wing says.

BEERSHEBA, Israel - Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak tells top commanders in a briefing that the offensive is open-ended, saying the Israeli army is "continuing and shall continue to act to achieve the goals."

(Jerusalem newsroom, additional reporting by Cairo newsroom)

 

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