Nine-year-old Leen was saved from the racial masses: "Said a last prayer"

At least 44 people, including 15 children, have been killed since Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip began late last week, according to Gaza health authorities.

Over 350 people are said to have been injured.

"Didn't think I would survive"

Nine-year-old Leen Matar was caught in the crowd when her grandfather's house suddenly collapsed on top of them, she told Reuters.

- I said one last prayer, I didn't think I would survive.

450 rockets against Israel

In response, 450 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip at southern Israel.

Aircraft alarms have been heard in Jerusalem, Ashkelon and Tel Aviv.

Most of these attacks have been repelled and there are no reports of Israeli casualties.

Eliad Azoulay in Ashkelon, Israel, tells how rockets hit his residential area.

- It has been a quiet period for some years now.

But we knew it would end soon.

Hear civilians from both sides tell how the escalation has affected them in the clip.