Dozens dead as fighting in Gaza strip escalates

Intensifying fighting in the Middle East between Israeli Defense Forces and the militant group known as The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has left at least 24 dead as an exchange of missiles escalated on its second day. Israel began the fighting with a barrage of missiles it said was meant to preempt an imminent Palestinian attack. Palestinian Islamic Jihad responded by firing at least 100 rockets into Israel overnight. Israel intercepted most of the attacks, according to its defense ministry.