On the fifth day of Israel's offensive against Palestinian militants, military officials in Tel Aviv said Israeli planes hit a mosque in Gaza that Hamas fighters were using to hide their weapons.

A spokesman for the Israeli military showed images of the mosque as Gaza Health Ministry officials said the number of Palestinians killed in the fighting had risen to more than 120 and the wounded to at least 900.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government ordered the airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza on Tuesday in response to rocket attacks by Gaza-based Islamic militants on Israel.  

A spokesman for the Israeli military, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, said the mosque hit in the air attacks was part of Hamas's strategic network that uses residential areas for cover.

He said that by concealing weapons in the site, the militant group was putting the lives of civilians in danger.

A Hamas spokesperson condemned the attack on the mosque and said the incident should unite all Muslims.

Reports say around 700 rockets and mortars have been fired by Gaza militants into Israel since Tuesday, The Israeli military says Iron Dome has intercepted more than 130 rockets from Gaza.

Despite mounting international pressure to end the fighting, Netanyahu has shown no signs of backing down. He has said Operation Protective Edge will continue until there is a complete end to militant rocket attacks on Israel.

Operation Protective Edge also involves the use of the rocket-defense system called "Iron Dome," which Israel developed with U.S. funding.

Reports say Israel is also preparing for a possible ground offensive, sending thousands of soldiers to the border.

As concerns grow over Palestinian casualties, the Arab League has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to talk about the escalating violence. An official of the Arab League said the meeting of Arab foreign ministers, which will take place in Cairo, will call on governments around the world to step up pressure on Israel. 

TagsIsraeli airstrikes, Israel vs. Hamas, Gaza fighting, Benjamin Netanyahu, Arab League