The fighting in November took its toll: More than 160 Palestinians, many of whom were civilians, were killed. Six Israelis died, including civilians and soldiers. Hundreds were wounded.

The fighting ended after Egypt and the United States helped broker the cease-fire that lasted until February 26.

On that day, a rocket damaged a road outside the town of Ashkelon, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Gaza.

The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a Gaza militant group, claimed responsibility