Israel has continued its ferocious bombing and shelling campaign on the Gaza Strip for an 11th straight day, bringing the Palestinian death toll to at least 231, including 65 children. Earlier this morning, Israeli forces bombed the crowded Jabaliya refugee camp. Palestinian health officials say 1,700 Palestinians have been wounded. Over 1,300 housing units have been completely demolished or severely damaged. Israeli authorities say 12 people have been killed inside Israel from rockets fired from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far rejected calls for a ceasefire, but Hamas officials say a truce could be reached within a day. In the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas demanded an end to the Israeli attack and Israel’s occupation.
President Mahmoud Abbas: “What the occupation is doing in Gaza, including vicious attacks on civilians, deliberate shelling of residential areas and institutions, destruction of infrastructure, as well as the killing of women, elderly and children, is organized state terrorism, carried out by the Israeli occupation, and war crimes punishable by international law.”