Israeli government marched troops and tanks toward the border of the Gaza Strip today, reported ABC News.
The Israeli government authorized the call-up of reservists as air strikes failed to halt the rounds of rockets being fired from the Hamas-controlled territory.
The U.S. State Department today blamed Hamas for the escalation of violence.
"This is violence instigated by Hamas," said Mark Toner, the department's deputy spokesman. "As we've said very clearly in our statement yesterday, that we extend our sympathies to the victims, innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians that have been affected by this violence. But let's be very clear where the onus lies."
Israeli air strikes that hit more than 150 targets across Gaza since the operation dubbed "Pillar of Defense" began Wednesday evening.
The first strike was on Ahmed Jabari, the chief of staff of the military wing of Hamas, the Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades.
It was followed by a wave of airstrikes on other militants, buildings and installations, notably launching sites and rockets, which included the long-range Fajar rockets that could reach Tel Aviv.
Hamas sources said a dozen Palestinians have been killed, including at least two children. One child was just 11 months old.
"What did my son do to die like this?" the child's father cried.
Today, Gaza's Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh vowed revenge for Jabari's death.
"His blood will not be in vain," Haniyeh said.
Hamas and other militant groups retaliated against Israel with a fresh barrage of rockets that killed at least three Israelis -- the first Israeli deaths in the escalation -- in the southern town of Kiryat Malakhi.
