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For Interactive map of Gaza showing how different cities in the besieged strip are impacted by Israeli air attacks, click News Source Link.

Mohammed Haddad and Hasan Salim Patel for Al Jazeera

The head of the military wing of Hamas, Ahmed al-Jabari, was assassinated during a series of Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, following a week of escalating violence.

Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since 2006 when Israel pulled out its settlers. Deprived of building materials, food and medicines, the territory is sometimes described as an "open air prison".

Israel says their recent aerial bombardment marks the beginning of a broader operation against Hamas in Gaza, who they blame for rocket attacks into southern Israel.

Hamas says Israel has "opened the gates of hell" and they will "regret" the military campaign.