Jerusalem : Israel stepped up its ground offensive in Gaza Strip, ignoring the United Nations General Assembly resolution for humanitarian truce leading to cessation of hostilities in Israel-Hamas conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a war for Israel's existence, and said Never again is now.
Gaza residents described the massive bombardment from the land, air and sea as the most intense of the 3-week-old Israel-Hamas war. Other countries, United Nations officials and aid agencies described a dire situation in Gaza, where 2.3 million people are cut off from the outside world and ambulances without cellphone or radio service chase the sound of artillery to locate the wounded.
The Palestinian death toll passed 7,700, most of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, more than 110 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids.
More than 1,400 people were slain in Israel during a surprise incursion by Hamas militants, including at least 310 soldiers, according to the Israeli government. At least 229 hostages were taken into Gaza, and four hostages have been released.
Currently, spider web of Hamas tunnels raises risks for Israeli ground offensive in Gaza Strip. Mass graves, unclaimed bodies and overcrowded cemeteries replace funeral rites. There are scenes of sorrow and despair on both sides of Israel-Gaza border on week 3 of war. Jewish and Muslim chaplains navigate tensions on US college campuses. UN General Assembly calls for `humanitarian truce' in Gaza leading to halt in Israel-Hamas fighting.
Also Read : Why India's abstention from UN vote on Gaza truce won't affect ties with West Asia
