Palestinian armed groups on Tuesday rejected a truce proposed by Egypt, prompting Israel to warn that it would intensify a deadly offensive aimed at curbing rocket attacks.

Israeli warplanes bombed targets throughout the Gaza Strip about every 10 minutes, killing at least 10 Palestinians since the strikes resumed late Tuesday afternoon.

The bombed targets included what Israel said were groups of militants firing rockets and houses of militants and Hamas leaders, including, witnesses said, that of former Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar.
The death toll in the Gaza Strip topped 203, with 1,520 injured, Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra said.

Late Tuesday, Israel had its first fatality of the Gaza conflict, a 38-year-old civilian killed by shrapnel from a rocket at the Erez crossing on the northern Gaza border.

Hamas and other armed groups launched 142 rockets at Israel since the truce failed, with air raid sirens howling across the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned late Tuesday Hamas would “pay a heavy price” for rejecting the ceasefire.

The Israeli Army overnight called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to leave their homes “for their own safety.” (HC)

Special Reporter