Gaza has seen the deadliest day since clashes erupted again, with 87 people reported killed on Sunday. 13 Israeli soldiers were also killed in fighting with Hamas.
The of Shejaiya saw intense shelling on overnight and a two hour 'humanitarian ceasefire' on Sunday, organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, broke down within an hour of commencing, with both sides blaming each other for the collapse.
Women and children were among the dead, along with a Palestinian paramedic and a cameraman, who died when the ambulance they were travelling in was hit, reported AFP.
The Israeli miitary says it aims to destroy Hamas weapon stockpiles and its extensive tunnel network, used by the militants to transport goods, weapons and infiltrate into Israeli territory.
The Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) on Saturday warned foreign journalists that it was not responsible for their safety in the Gaza Strip, as a ground and air offensive against Hamas intensified, reports Reuters.
“Gaza and its vicinity are a battleground. Covering hostilities exposes journalists to life-threatening danger,” said an emailed GPO statement.
The statement further added,
“Israel is not in any way responsible for injury or damage that may occur as a result of field reporting.”The statement came as the Israeli Defence Force announced that it was widening its ground operations in Gaza.
“The GPO advises the members of the press to take every possible precaution. Journalists in need of assistance should contact the GPO to facilitate expedited passage from the Erez crossing.”
The total death toll of Palestinians in Gaza surpassed 400 today with at least 2,600 injured said Gaza's Health Ministry today.