Onslaught in Gaza intensifies despite UN demand for ceasefire

An increasingly bloody and controversial onslaught in Gaza. The green light has been given by Israel’s Security Cabinet for the army to carry on with its offensive, rejecting a new UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas has also vowed to continue rocket attacks into Israel.

On day 14 of its offensive, Israel is facing mounting criticism: it has been accused of using phosphorous bombs that severely burn people’s skin, the use of which contravenes international law. UN agencies, the Red Cross and many Western governments have added their denunciations of Israel, with more reports of civilian atrocities now emerging.

Today some 50 targets were hit, killing 18 Palestinians. Close to 800 people in Gaza are now reported to have died, half of them civilians. 13 Israelis, including ten soldiers, have so far been killed by Palestinian rockets.

Meanwhile, an Hamas delegation has left for Cairo for talks on a truce proposal, while UN aid workers who stopped activities in Gaza over security concerns have now decided to resume their work.

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tags: Ceasefire, Gaza