Israel expands Gaza offensive

Israel continues to pound Gaza in its bid to neutralise Hamas’ military threat. Israeli Apache helicopters rained missiles down over the coastal territory as its army widened its 11-day-offensive. Israel’s forces pushed into the Hamas stronghold of Khan Younis in the south of the territory and also battled militants on the outskirts of Gaza city.

The widening ground operation has resulted in a rapid rise in the number of Gazans being killed. At least 75 Palestinian civilians have already died today, bringing the total number of dead to more than 630. Around 2,700 Palestinians have also been injured in the Israeli assault. Earlier today, the US state department called for an immediate and durable ceasefire.

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tags: Israel