Israel has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza strip and mobilised troops along its border after a rocket attack in central Israel injured at least seven people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now cut short his visit to Washington, vowing to respond forcefully to the attack.
Hamas has been accused of firing the rocket which struck a residential building on Monday.
The conflict comes just two weeks before Israel goes to the polls and amid growing disquiet in Gaza over a crippling economic crisis.
Listen to the report on ABC RN Breakfast.