Israel intensifies assault on southern Gaza amid fears over civilian deaths

Palestinians wounded in Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to a hospital (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Israel has pounded more targets in the southern Gaza Strip, intensifying a renewed offensive that followed a week-long truce with Hamas and prompting renewed concerns about civilian casualties.

At least 200 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting resumed on Friday morning, even as the US urged ally Israel to do everything possible to protect civilians.