Since leaving the Knesset in 1981, Avnery wrote several books and continued to be active in Israel’s peace movement. He famously met with Yasser Arafat in 1982 during the First Lebanon War.

Hamas says it wants Israel to end the 10 year blockade of Gaza and to ease up restrictions on goods flowing to the strip.

The international community must continue to shoulder its political and moral responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees

Cultural institutions across the country have opened their doors for free to affected families.

"We are prepared for any scenario," said IDF Head of the Southern Command Maj.-Gen.Herzi Halevi.

Rivlin said now is the time to stand fast with the people of the South.

The number has more than doubled in three years.

“What Hamas did was a natural response to Israeli crimes,” a Hamas spokesman said.