Israeli woman take cover as a siren warning of incoming rockets sounds in Jerusalem November 20, 2012. REUTERS/Ohad Zwigenberg

After the first night of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, now almost a week ago, a photograph began circulating around Twitter of a grinning 11-month-old who had been killed by an Israeli missile that landed on his house. Within hours, Avital Leibovich, an Israeli Defense Forces spokeswoman, posted a reply of sorts: a photograph of another infant, this one an Israeli girl, wounded by a Hamas rocket in the southern town of Kiryat Malachi. It wasn’t the first skirmish of the virtual war being waged across social media networks by both the Israeli government and Hamas—the real-world hostilities were announced Nov. 14 by the IDF in a tweet trumpeting the death of Hamas leader Ahmed Jabari—but it was an early indication of how the awful life-and-death stakes of war have been reduced to Internet fodder.

“It was an opportunity for them to continue the discussions they’ve been having and to speak in advance of Secretary Clinton’s arrival in the region,” Rhodes said. “President Obama underscored once again the importance of working for a de-escalation to the conflict in Gaza. He commended President Morsi’s efforts to pursue a de-escalation. And he also underscored that President Morsi’s efforts reinforce the important role that President Morsi and Egypt play on behalf of regional security and the pursuit of broader peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.”

He noted that (Obama) talked with Morsi at 11:30 p.m. Phnom Penh time after the East Asian Summit dinner, and then again at 2:30 a.m. before today’s call from AF1. “It indicates that Egypt plays a very important role in this process,” he said. Rhodes said no other calls were planned at the moment but that (Obama) would stay in close touch with PM Netanyahu. He would not discuss Secretary Clinton’s schedule beyond her plan to meet with Netanyahu after landing in Jerusalem later today.

Rhodes reiterated that any resolution has to involve the cessation of rocket fire into Israel. “Without an end to rocket fire into Israel from Gaza, Israel can’t be assured of the security of its people,” he said. He warned of “significant loss of life” if the situation cannot be de-escalated.

Israel's President Shimon Peres (R) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak during the annual memorial ceremony for Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, at Sde Boker in southern Israel November 20, 2012. REUTERS/Dan Balilty/Pool

A private Israeli security guard sits on an armchair as he watches the fighting from a hill outside the northern Gaza Strip November 20, 2012. A Hamas official said on Tuesday Egypt had brokered a Gaza ceasefire deal that would go into effect within hours, but a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "we're not there yet". REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis

The U.S. Embassy will continue operating at reduced staffing levels on Wednesday, November 21, and routine consular services are being suspended for that same day. Embassy families have been instructed to keep their children home from schools in areas south of Herzeliya. Embassy personnel from Beer Sheva have temporarily been relocated to Herzeliya. Non-essential official travel by Embassy staff to the south of Israel remains prohibited.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security in light of the escalating level of violence in Gaza and Israel. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings and news reports, and follow the civil defense guidance provided by the Home Front Command. The Government of Israel’s Home Front Command website provides information on how to choose a secure space or room in a home or apartment. Visitors may also seek information on shelters from hotel staff or building managers.