Gaza combat resumes amid hopes for a ceasefire

After a brief pause, and despite hopes for a new ceasefire, clashes have resumed in Gaza between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. Israeli had halted its bombardment to allow safe passage for aid convoys. Close to 650 Palestinians are reported to have been killed since Israel launched an offensive to stop Hamas firing rockets at its territory. Israel has lost seven soldiers and three civilians in combat in Gaza and in rocket strikes, which have continued today. Calls for a ceasefire have intensified since more than 40 people were killed when tank shells hit a UN school.

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tags: Israel