Israel offensive moves entire region into a dangerous state

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) --Israeli warplanes buzzed the seaside home of Syria's president and bombed Hamas targets in Gaza on Wednesday to pressure Palestinian militants to free a kidnapped Israeli soldier. Israeli military officials said on condition of anonymity that warplanes flew low over the home of Syrian President Bashar Assad because he has sheltered Hamas leaders, who Israel blames for masterminding the kidnapping. No casualties have been reported since the offensive began early Wednesday as the Israeli army sent tanks and thousands of troops into Gaza.
Air defenses fired on Israeli warplanes that entered Syrian airspace early Wednesday and forced them to flee, state TV said as Mideast tensions escalated over the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants. State-run Syrian television said two Israeli planes flew near Syria's Mediterranean coast early Wednesday, and "national air defenses opened fire in the direction of the planes, and they dispersed." The announcement did not mention a claim by Israeli military officials that the fighter jets buzzed the summer residence of President Bashar Assad.

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