Hamas threatens to escalate rocket attacks against Israel

GAZA -- The Islamic Hamas movement has warned that it would fire more rockets into Israel if the Jewish state expands air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

"The joint operations room of the factions of resistance is in a status of serious consultations to expand the circle of fire," said Abu Obeida, spokesman of al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas movement, on Monday.

If Israel expands its aggression, the Israelis "will be waiting for getting into the circle of our rockets," Abu Obeida was quoted by local media as saying in a statement.

Tension between Israel and militant groups in Gaza has built up since Sunday night, as 10 Palestinian fighters and one Israeli army officer were killed in clashes between the two sides.

On Monday evening, Israeli warplanes destroyed three houses belonging to Hamas leaders and the building of the Hamas-run al-Aqsa TV channel in Gaza.

The Israeli army said that it destroyed the building of al-Aqsa TV because the channel incited Palestinians to attack Israelis.

Local media reported that Egypt and the United Nations have been making efforts to restore calm to the enclave. However, no cease-fire agreement has been reached.