When is a War a War?

TEL AVIV – INTERNATIONAL NEWS – Air strike sirens in Israel, as rockets crash into Israel’s ‘iron dome’ missile defense system.

Hamas militants fired ten long-range missiles at Tel Aviv — the country’s most populated city and business hub.

The missile launch caused no casualties or damage, but it’s the most ambitious one so far directed at Israel — which is in its fifth day of a military operation targeting Gaza, that has already killed at least 125 people.

The U.N. expressed concern over the rise in tensions, calling for a ceasefire on both sides.

Concerned about the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council on Saturday called for a ceasefire between the Israelis and Palestinians and for the protection of civilians.

In a statement read out to the press by Ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana of Rwanda, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency for July, the 15-member body expressed serious concern regarding the crisis and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides.

“The Security Council members called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire,” Mr. Gasana said, referring to the Egyptian-brokered agreement that ended eight days of violence in Gaza and Israel nearly two years ago.

“The Security Council members further called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”

The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, according to today’s update from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which reported that communities in the enclave “continue to suffer as heavy airstrikes, death, injuries and damage to infrastructure continues to take its toll on everyday life.”

But Israeli defense officials warn that their troops may enter Gaza in the days ahead, with some 20,000 reservists prepared for a possible invasion.

VIDEO – DAILY MOTION – REUTERS…