LATEST: Rockets fired from Lebanon today

ANT KATZ

Israel continued to intensify its bombardment of the Gaza Strip Friday in an offensive against the Hamas militant group, with more than 900 targets attacked so far. As the tensions threatened to expand into a possible Israeli ground invasion of Gaza, apparent rocket fire from Lebanon struck near Israel’s northern border, the Israeli military said.

USA TODAY quoted Lebanon’s state-run news agency today as saying that two rockets were fired from the country. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the strikes, which prompted Israel to retaliate with artillery fire toward the source of the firing.

Israel military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said it was unclear whether the new front was “symbolic or something more substantial.”

RIGHT: Gaza Harbour burns last night

The number of reported Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes rose Friday to more than 90 while rockets fired by Hamas struck farther into Israeli territory, targeting Tel Aviv and other cities.

Israel said it was doing everything possible to avoid civilian casualties in the crowded urban landscape. The risk of more civilian deaths will remain high, especially if Israel moves in with ground forces.

Israel has not reported any deaths of its citizens since both sides intensified their aerial campaigns this week.

In Washington, President Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to condemn the rocket attacks on Israel and said the United States is willing to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

“The United States remains prepared to facilitate a cessation of hostilities, including a return to the November 2012 cease-fire agreement,” the White House said about the phone call.