Egypt PM Arrives for Gaza Mission

An Israeli Merkava tank is prepared to back up from its truck carrier as equipment is brought to the Gaza Strip border somewhere in southern Israel, 15 November 2012. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Egypt's prime minister has arrived in Gaza to show support to Palestinians, after Israel struck at more than 130 targets overnight, while militants fired 11 rockets from Gaza.

Hisham Qandil will be in the territory for three hours, and reports say he may try to broker a ceasefire.

Israel says it will suspend fire during the visit if militants stop attacks.

At least 18 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed since Israel began its offensive on Wednesday.

Militants and civilians, including at least five children, are among the Palestinian dead, Palestinian officials say. Two Israeli women and man died when a rocket fired from Gaza hit a building in the southern town of Kiryat Malachi on Thursday, Israeli officials said.

Israel killed a Palestinian military leader on Wednesday, sparking intense violence and rumors of an invasion.

Explosions continued in Gaza throughout the night, with huge blasts rocking Gaza City as dawn broke on Friday.

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