Israel continues its bombardment on Gaza strip as death toll nears 200

According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military launched new raids on the Gaza Strip few hours following the announcement made by Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said that an end to hostilities ‘was not imminent’.

On Sunday, the Israel’s bombardment entered its eighth killing least 42 Palestinians and injuring several others. Two residential buildings were also destroyed as the result of heavy bombardment.  

On Monday, the air bombardment was heavier, on a wider area and lasting longer than the raids on Sunday. It is said to be the most intense airstrikes in Gaza since the bombardment in 2014.

Hamas media group stated that the home of Gaza’s Hamas chief, Yehya al-Sinwar, was also targeted in the strikes.

So far 192 people, including 58 children and 34 women, have been killed since the latest violence began a week ago.

On the other hand Israel has reported 10 deaths as a result of retaliatory shelling by Hamas.

The United Nations Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the violence but failed to have consensus on even a joint statement of concern.

The reporter of Al Jazeera, Safwat Al Kahlout, who is reporting from live Gaza, has denied reports of any ground attack taking place as of yet. However, he has confirmed that Israeli troops are massing at the border.

“A ground operation needs a lot of preparation, needs a lot of troops,” he said, noting that it is likely that there is not yet enough number of tanks, artillery and troops to enter Gaza.

Palestinian residents of Gaza Strip have marked another deadly Eidul Fitr amid bombardment by Israel. Thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al Aqsa Mosque today to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the holiest days in Islam.

Israeli police, in its latest act of violence, stormed the compound on May 10 for a third consecutive day, firing rubber-coated steel rounds, stun grenades and tear gas at Palestinian worshippers inside the mosque in the final days of the holy month of Ramadan.