14 killed in Gaza in Israeli air and artillery attacks
“This is a horrible situation, and we urge the international community to notice the continuing Israeli escalation in Gaza immediately,” Palestinian lawmaker Saeb Erekat said.
“I’m afraid these numbers are going to multiply if we continue to be the forgotten zone in this region.”
The fighting, which also wounded more than 36 Palestinians, began before dawn when about 50 Israeli tanks and bulldozers drove into northern Gaza, flattening orchards and greenhouses to deprive militants of cover, the army said.
Troops also took over the rooftops of several houses, residents said.
Most of those killed were hit by tank fire, airstrikes or during clashes with Israeli troops in eastern Gaza City.
Another militant was killed in northern Gaza by an artillery shell.
In a new tactic, aircraft also blasted several houses of Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists after warning people to leave.
Homeowners said they received phone calls from people speaking broken Arabic and telling them to get out.
Twelve of those killed were identified as militants, including six from Hamas, five from Islamic Jihad and one from the Popular Resistance Committees, the groups said.
A girl, believed to be younger than 10 years old, was also among the dead, but doctors said they had not yet been able to identify her or give her exact age.
It was not clear if the other man killed was a militant or civilian.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas militants tunnelled under the border and attacked an Israeli army post on June 25 at a Gaza crossing, killing two soldiers and capturing a third.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
