Israel's Gaza offensive: What's next?

Israel launches a second day of airstrikes against militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. A look at four possible consequences — none of them particularly good

An Israeli security officer detains a Palestinian stone-thrower during clashes in Gaza on Nov. 15.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Ammar Awad)

On Thursday, Israel launched a second day of punishing air strikes on Gaza, escalating an offensive that began in response to Palestinian rocket fire. In Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist group Hamas, health officials said the Israeli strikes had killed 15 people, including Hamas military commander Ahmed al-Jabari. In southern Israel, three civilians have been killed by retaliatory strikes from Gaza. The international repercussions from the fighting are only just beginning. Egypt's Islamist-led government recalled its ambassador to Israel, while the United Nations Security Council urged both sides to halt the violence. The Obama administration, for its part, has backed Israel's "right to defend itself," but urged Israel to "take every effort to avoid civilian casualties." Where will this conflict lead? Here, four possible consequences:

1. Israel might launch another ground invasion

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