Israel keeps up aerial bombardment of Gaza Strip

Israel pounded Gaza with airstrikes early Wednesday as the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 war took on many hallmarks of that devastating 50-day conflict, with no endgame in sight.

Dozens of airstrikes hit the territory in the course of a few minutes, targeting police and security installations, witnesses said, with dark smoke rising over Gaza City just after daybreak.

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry said airstrikes destroyed the central police headquarters in Gaza City, a compound with several buildings.

The death toll in Gaza rose to 35 Palestinians, including 12 children and three women, according to the Health Ministry.

Some 233 people were wounded.

Five Israelis, including three women and a child, were killed by rocket fire Tuesday and early Wednesday, and dozens of people were wounded.

The Israeli military said Palestinian militants have fired more 1,050 rockets since the conflict began, with 200 of them falling short and landing inside Gaza.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said two infantry brigades were sent to the Gaza Division, indicating preparations for a possible ground invasion.