Israel-Gaza conflict: Airstrikes and rocket fire across border overnight crush hopes of Egypt-brokered ceasefire

Benjamin Netanyahu vows to take 'all necessary steps' in Gaza as violence flares following long-range rocket attack on central Israel

Fire and smoke billow above buildings in Gaza City during reported Israeli strikes on March 25 (MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Israeli aircraft struck targets across Gaza early Tuesday morning while rockets fired from the Strip hit border areas in Israel, despite earlier reports Egypt had brokered a ceasefire to bring both sides back from the brink of war.

Israel launched the air raids and sent troops to reinforce the border area with Gaza after a long-range rocket on Monday destroyed a family home north of Tel Aviv, injuring at least six people, including a baby. The rare attack on central Israel occurred just weeks ahead of a general election. The Israeli army said the homemade weapon was fired by Hamas, the militant group that runs Gaza, from Rafah at least 120 km away.

Hamas reported on Monday night that Egypt had brokered a truce but there was no confirmation from the Israeli side. Gaza's Health Ministry said seven Palestinians were injured in the airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cut short a four-day trip in the US to return home for emergency security meetings, meanwhile vowed his country would not hesitate to enter Gaza and take “all necessary steps” early Tuesday as he boarded a plane back to Tel Aviv.

"We gave a very, very strong response, and Hamas needs to know that we will not hesitate to enter and do all the necessary steps," the premier said.

He added he would attend security meetings held at the Kirya defence base in Tel Aviv on his return.

Israeli aircraft pounded at least 15 targets within Gaza including destroying the offices of Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh, that the army said had "served as an office for many military meetings."

Mr Haniyeh issued a statement warning Israel against heavy retaliation. He said the Palestinian people "will not surrender" and its militant factions "will deter the enemy if it exceeds the red lines."

Another blast destroyed a multistory building in Gaza City that Israel said had served as a Hamas military intelligence headquarters.

Meanwhile in Israel the authorities opened public bomb shelters in most major cities and civil defense authorities cancelled sports events and public transportation in southern Israel.

The Israeli army barred all large gatherings in the border regions and closed schools.

Mr Netanyahu had earlier warned Israel would “not tolerate” the rocket fire from Gaza, at meetings in the White House where US President Donald Trump signed a controversial declaration recognising Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.

Mr Trump’s decision to recognise Israel's hold on the Golan departed with decades of US policy and international consensus on the area, ratcheting up tensions in the region.

Israeli seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria during 1967. The de facto annexation has been declared illegal by the United Nations and is not recognised by bodies like the European Union.

This week's rocket attack and cross-border exchange of fire comes just weeks ahead of an Israeli election which Mr Netanyahu is hoping to win despite campaigning under the shadow of possible indictment in three corruption cases. It was also the second long-range rocket attack on Israel from Gaza in under two weeks.

The embattled premier is locked in a tight race with a centrist coalition spearheaded Benny Gantz, the country’s ex-army chief who led the last war with Gaza in 2014, and has recruited two former army chiefs to his ranks.

The violence also erupted ahead of the year anniversary of regular protests Gaza residents have held at the border fence with Israel.

Since 30 March 2018, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have marched on the border demanding the right to return to their ancestral lands they fled or were forced from during the conflict which surrounded the creation of Israel in 1948.

At least 180 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the UN, which accused the army of committing possible war crimes.

The Israelis have defended their actions, saying Gaza protesters have repeatedly stormed the border fences and fired explosives attached to balloons at Israel, endangering lives.

Further rallies and protests are expected to be held on the anniversary.