As clashes between Israel and Hamas intensify, Israel has shot down Hamas’ first combat drone. The drone — which experts believe was not armed — was shot down by a patriot missile. Meanwhile, residents are fleeing Gaza as Israel warns of more strikes.

+ Jeffrey Goldberg: What, Exactly, Is Hamas Trying to Prove?

+ “America has the capacity to save its Iraqi friends whose war never ended, before isis or the militias kill them first.” The New Yorker’s George Packer on the Iraqis that America left behind.