State Department says concerned about reports of civilian deaths and calls for 'timely and thorough' probe into casualties; Washington in touch with Israeli and Mideast officials to tamp down tensions

Military rejects Palestinian claims Israeli strike killed several people, including children, in Jabalia; Israeli official says videos 'prove beyond a doubt' Islamic Jihad behind strike

Homeowner says rocket barrage was one of the heaviest she has ever experienced, as Islamic Jihad militants' continuous cross-border fire sends Israeli civilians down the bomb shelter

Military says since becoming operational in 2012, the defense system's success rate in shooting down incoming rockets has improved by 20%; 'We study the enemy and prepare accordingly,' says one aerial defense commander

Israel agrees to proposal while Cairo still seeking Palestinian response; Gaza militants continue to launch barrages of rockets into Israel, reaching as far as Rishon Lezion; Be'er Sheva also targeted in first since fighting began

Worldwide media, which placed great importance on previous IDF campaigns in the Hamas-controlled enclave, appears to be focusing on other affairs, such as China's war maneuvers and Russia's invasion of its neighbor

Following an appeal and an external review, the university regraded and passed Danielle Greyman’s essay after more than a year, preventing her from starting her master’s degree