8 Civilians, 4 Soldiers Killed on Israel's Bloodiest day of War

The eight civilians all died, and dozens were wounded, during a massive rocket barrage on northern Israel in the afternoon. when more than 130 Katyushas hit within a 90-minute period.

By Friday morning, 47 people who were wounded in the bombardment remained hospitalized at Rambam Hospital in Haifa and in Nahariya Hospital. One was in critical condition, 14 were listed in serious condition, while 32 others were lightly wounded.

Three of the four soldiers were killed at close to noon when an antitank missile hit their tank during a firefight in Rajamin in the western sector. Two died instantly, while the third was mortally wounded. In the course of the battle, the IDF killed 14 Hezbollah gunmen and captured five.

The IDF was pressing forward Thursday night with its ground offensive. Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered the army to prepare for the second stage of operations, which calls for an advance to the Litani River - 40 kilometers into Lebanon - in a bid to gain control of Katyusha launch sites.