Calls for a pause in hostilities were drowned out by the sound of rocket fire in Gaza.

Strike followed strike in one of the most intense nights of attacks since the beginning of Israel’s offensive, and the prime minsiter warned of a prolonged military campaign.

The House of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was flattened by one of 60 Israeli missile attacks, but no one was killed.

The main power plant in the Palestinian enclave was also struck, leaving many without electricity.

Hospitals were once again overrun with casualties. Health services reported more than 30 people were killed overnight, many of them children.

The building which houses Hamas’ media department was also targeted.

The airstrikes came in response to Hamas fighters entering Israel through a tunnel from Gaza – a gun fight ensued killing 5 Israeli soldiers.

The death toll has topped 1,100 on the Palestinian side. In Israel 53 soldiers and 3 civilians have also lost their lives.