Israel bombs Gaza as rift with top ally widens

Contrasting comments highlight impasse on Palestinian state when conflict ends

GAZA STRIP/WASHINGTON — Israel bombarded southern Gaza on Friday after it publicly sparred with its main ally the United States over the possibility of a Palestinian state, the creation of which Washington sees as the only pathway to lasting peace.

Witnesses reported gunfire and airstrikes early on Friday in Khan Younis, the main city in the south of the Gaza Strip, where Israel says many members and leaders of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas are hiding.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported "intense" artillery fire near the al-Amal hospital, while Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said 77 people were killed and dozens injured overnight.