Some 50 rockets hit southern Israel

In the afternoon hours, air raid sirens sounded over and over in Ashkelon, Sderot and the Gaza vicinity communities. Residents were ordered to obey the instructions issued by the Home Front Command.

Further developments:

• The Turkish and Egyptian foreign minister launched a joint statement saying that the Gaza operation could deteriorate and endanger the entire region. The world continued to condemn Israel, as well as Hamas.
  

• The Palestinian Authority announced that it was suspending its negotiations with Israel "until further notice".
  

• German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about the assault on Gaza that began Saturday. Merkel spokesman Thomas Steg said the chancellor and Olmert agreed that the "clear, sole responsibility for the situation lies with Hamas" for breaking a ceasefire.
  

• Senegal's Foreign Ministry said Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal was ready to sign a ceasefire agreement for Gaza that would involve Israel ending its attacks and its blockade of the territory.
  

• The Knesset held a special recess session, during which Arab MKs slammed the Israeli leadership. "You're counting bodies in exchange for Knesset seats," said MK Ahmad Tibi.