Military says it waited 2 days before targeting Ahmad Abu Daqqa because of 'human shields'; terror group expected to respond; Israel vows to continue targeted assassinations

Reports claimed Israel would halt targeted killings, hand over body of terror group member who died in custody; mortar fire continues on southern towns

Victims include 3 kids, among 25 reported dead in Strip; IDF publishes clip showing projectiles falling short; Air Force calls of strike after children seen near target

Assassination in Khan Younis further dampens hopes for a ceasefire, as security restrictions in southern Israel remain in place after 500 rockets fired at Israel

Pentagon reaffirms 'ironclad' US support for Israel, urges de-escalation, as UK, France and Germany condemn rocket barrages against southern cities

Homes and cars in Ashkelon, Sderot, Kibbutz Nir Am hit with shrapnel, one in Netivot damaged by Iron Dome interceptor; Islamic Jihad says no deal until assassinations end

Alongside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, premier warns terrorists 'blood is on your hands,' claims Islamic Jihad has been dealt harshest blow ever

Israel says it is assessing deal after Egyptian media says fighting to end Wednesday evening, but resumption of rocket fire and IDF airstrikes raise doubts

Military spokesman says Hamas will only be targeted if it joins rocket fire; 56 rockets, mortars land short in Strip, while more are downed by Iron Dome, David's Sling

Medium-range anti-missile system failed sole previous attempt to shoot down hostile projectile, but now may join Iron Dome in changing face of Gazan threat