For the fourth day in a row, Israeli air strikes have killed at least 15 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. On Friday, Israel carried out two strikes on Hamas targets in the east and western areas of Gaza City, ostensibly in an attempt to halt homemade rockets being fired into Israel. Seven members of Hamas’ military wing, the Izzedin Qassam Brigades were killed in the attacks in which the Hamas-affiliated Executive Force has been a prime target. Israeli tanks and military vehicles were also beefed up along the northern border of the Strip in preparation for any ordered incursions. Eyewitnesses said army vehicles moved several meters into Gaza territory.

Israeli occupation forces have so far targeted cars driven by alleged Hamas operatives, buildings and so-called rocket factories. In yesterday’s strikes, 10 people, including passersby, were also injured in the explosions and several houses sustained damage from the blasts. Israel has warned that its strikes have been “measured” so far but would grow harsher if rocket attacks continued from Gaza.

Meanwhile, the infighting between Hamas and Fateh loyalists continued unabated in the Gaza Strip, claiming several more lives. Five people, including a child and a woman, were killed on Friday during clashes between the two parties in spite of a ceasefire agreement reached several days ago. Ten-year-old Abdullah Jaroun and 52-year-old Najah Qandeel died yesterday from wounds sustained during the fighting. A 40-year-old fisherman, Sameer Amoudi, was also shot in the head near Gaza’s harbor as armed clashes raged on nearby. The most recent spate of fighting in the Strip has brought the casualty number up to 55 deaths and 225 injured.

Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson, Mousa Abu Marzouq denied rumors that the Izzedin Qassam Brigades were planning the assassination of President Mahmoud Abbas during the president’s visit to Gaza. Abu Marzouq said such rumors were made by “irresponsible” people who have no credibility among the people, adding that Hamas has never considered such an act at any time. Abu Marzouq also said Hamas would continue to exert efforts to solidify the ceasefire, which has yet to take hold in the Strip.