Israeli assault targets symbols of Hamas power

By IBRAHIM BARZAK and MATTI FRIEDMAN

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israel's air force obliterated symbols of Hamas power on the third day of its Gaza assault Monday, striking next to the Hamas premier's home, devastating a security compound and flattening a building at a university linked to the Islamic group.

Israel's defense minister said his military is fighting a "war to the bitter end" against Hamas.

The three-day death toll rose to at least 315 by Monday morning, with some 1,400 wounded. The U.N. said at least 51 of the dead were civilians, and medics said eight children under the age of 17 were killed in two separate strikes overnight. Israel launched its campaign, the deadliest against Palestinians in decades, on Saturday in retaliation for rocket fire aimed at civilians in southern Israeli towns.

Since then, the number of Israeli troops on the Gaza border has doubled and the Cabinet approved the call-up of 6,500 reserve soldiers.

The strikes have driven Hamas leaders into hiding and appear to have gravely damaged the organization's ability to launch rockets, but barrages continued. Sirens warning of incoming rockets sent Israelis scrambling for cover throughout the day.

source:Associated Press Writers