KARACHI: In one of the deadliest days of violence since Israel’s offensive in Gaza began, at least 113 Palestinians were killed as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) intensified their aerial bombing campaign, the BBC reported. Ten IDF soldiers were also killed, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The home of a Hamas leader, a port, and Gaza’s only power plant were among the destroyed buildings. Reportedly, UN staffers were killed as well.
The intensified bombardment was part of a broader campaign to put a "gradual increase in the pressure" on the Hamas government, an IDF spokesman said.
The house of Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader who is now in hiding, was the target of an Israeli airstrike. The house was unoccupied.
"The destruction of stones will not break our will and we will continue our resistance until we gain freedom," he was quoted as saying on a Hamas website afterwards. A UNRWA spokesman tweeted that UN officials were also among the people killed.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the West Bank declared a truce after the shelling.
"After extensive calls and consultations with the brothers in Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian leadership announces on behalf of everyone the willingness for a ceasefire and humanitarian truce for 24 hours," Yasser Abed Rabbo of the Palestine Liberation Organization said. While he claimed that he also spoke for Hamas, the Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said the offer was "not serious", the Associated Press reported.
This Tuesday marks the 22nd day of fighting between Israel and Hamas after Israel launched an offensive on Gaza, ostensibly in response to the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers. Since then officials estimate that up to 1,100 people have died, the vast majority – 1,030 on the latest count – of whom are Palestinian. Almost 50 IDF soldiers have also been killed in the fighting.
COMMENTS (20)
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Go Israel go!!! Hamas is responsible for souring relations between Israel and the Arab world...
In 10 years this was the first time when MODI Dissapoint us by ordering the dipplomats to vote against Israel in UN. Mr. Modi if you will continue support philistine as previous governments were supporting since past 65 years, i am afraid to say that but i will not vote for BJP next time.
Hamas is a terror organisation against the inhabitants of Gaza strip. Arabs or in general the Muslims have grave issues with the whole world, very very grave issues! What issues have the Israelis with the world?
All humans and animals have the equal right to exist on this tiny planet, in peaceful harmony.
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Israel is taking too much time to destroy Hamas and has underestimated its terrorist opponent. Israel government and military is in disarray. Should they destroy Hamas terrorist completely like they intended or should they limit their goal to demolishing the terror tunnels?
@Razi:
"India also asked for 26/11 by its actions. Why blame others?"
Oh really? Then I guess the wretched failed state of Pakistan also asked for all the million miseries it is going through. Why blame Jews, Hindus or CIA or RAW?
Like GEO's pro India Policy, ET's pro Israel and Pro Saudi policy has exposed itself, but we should not be surprised. If GEO was being funded by the foreign governments, ET too is a partner to International Herald Tribune and the New York times. The corporate media is now actively serving their shareholders' interests. Lakhanis like Dunya TV's Mian has nothing to do with journalism - Jang Group still had some journalism history.
@Modified
India also asked for 26/11 by its actions. Why blame others?
I feel sorry for Palestinians but I am more worried about happenings in my own backyard...for me 3 innocent lives taken in Gujranwala are more important than 3000 in Gaza.
Pure terrorism and no one bats an eye!!
Stop it Animals........
What is happening to Islam? Where is the unity of the Ummah?
ET thanks that you are so democratic and open that you provide enough space for pro-israeli opinions that even western media cannot compete you. These funded comments by Indians are also given equal importance. Funded!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! O yes you can check these accounts on twitter that theses accounts continuously post against muslims. Show courage and post my comment ET.
Hamas asked for it.. Why blame Israel now for all the destruction.
Everyone in Pakistan is busy in Eid & other stuff.
I could make an attempt to write something about Gaza, but is there any point. Every Western Government and the Corporate Media are subservient to Zionist control, and I am not certain about the subservience of the Asian people either who appear to be completely absorbed with their own minor problems. In effect, the Zionists are playing a superb control operation as they play off one group against another, and I suspect most of the participants are not even aware of it.
This war has no sense and no end. There are close to 40000 hamas and Israel has only killed 400 so far. At this rate it will take another 299 weeks or 6 yrs approx. Hamas rocket reserves are half now though. After destroying all rockets Israel should stop and destroy tunnels on its side.
What a Pity! Who will shoot this Mad Dog ?