Tensions between Israel and the Gaza Strip have been mounting since various Islamic militant groups fired a barrage of rockets over the border earlier this week. However, the assassination of top Hamas military leader Ahmed al-Jabari by an Israeli air strike on Nov. 14 sparked the most aggressive escalation of conflict since Operation Cast Lead ended in 2009. So far, the fighting has claimed the lives of 23 Palestinians and three Israelis. As Israel readies itself for a possible ground invasion and Hamas fires rockets at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, it may be that those casualties are just the beginning.
Here's a look at what could be the start of another long and bloody conflict in a region that has already seen its share of violence.
Above, Palestinians attempt to extinguish the fire engulfing a car belonging to Ahmad al-Jabari, head of Hamas' military wing, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on Nov. 14.
MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images
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