Gaza Violence Continues as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

Attacks rocked both sides of the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, despite intensified diplomatic efforts to halt the violence between Israel and Hamas militants that has killed more than 130 Palestinians and five Israelis.

Inside Israel, a bomb blast on a bus in Tel Aviv has injured at least 10 people. Authorities are calling it a "terrorist attack."

Nearby in the West Bank city of Ramallah, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed the conflict with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas said he was working with the U.N., Jordan and the U.S. toward a peaceful solution. Ban called for an end to the bloodshed, reiterating his belief that a two-state solution is necessary to end the violence permanently between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Abbas does not have any practical influence in Hamas-ruled Gaza, but his West Bank government could be instrumental in implementing a cease-fire agreement on the Gaza side.  

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Palestinian leaders in Ramallah before heading back to Jerusalem to talk with Israeli leaders. She also plans to meet with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo later Wednesday.

Late Tuesday, Clinton discussed the volatile situation for two hours with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israel officials.

"The United States will work with our partners here in Israel and across the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of Israel, improves conditions for the people of Gaza and moves toward a comprehensive peace for all people of the region." Clinton said.

Netanyahu said before the meeting he prefers diplomacy to halt cross-border attacks. But he again pledged that Israel will take every action to protect its citizens, adding that no country can tolerate attacks on its citizens.  

Clinton said the U.S. commitment to Israeli security is rock solid, and terrorist rocket attacks on Israel must end. She also said her heart breaks for every civilian death, Israeli and Palestinian.

Tuesday came and went without an Egyptian-brokered deal for what officials are calling a period of calm - an agreement that would not be a true cease-fire.

Israel and Hamas have traded rocket fire since an Israeli missile killed Hamas' military chief in Gaza City last week. Israel says the attack was a direct response to months of almost daily rocket fire into southern Israel from Gaza.