Violence has escalated between Israel and Gaza, with both sides accusing each other of war crimes. Over 1,200 Israelis and 950 Palestinians have been killed, with entire neighborhoods in Gaza flattened. Israel has sealed off crossings into Gaza and is preparing for a possible ground incursion. The Pope has expressed concern over the siege, and the UN has called for the laws of war to be upheld. Many young people, including children and babies, have been kidnapped by Hamas, with their families left in anguish. Israeli forces have been seizing back control and moving into communities that Hamas had attacked, uncovering atrocities including the murder of mothers and children. The situation is expected to intensify, with Israel calling up 300,000 reservists and the UN warning of a humanitarian crisis.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. There have been missile launches and air raids across the border between Israel and Gaza.
2. Over 1,200 Israelis have been killed since Hamas launched attacks on Saturday.
3. Palestinian sources say that more than 950 people have been killed by Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
4. Entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been flattened.
5. Israel has sealed all crossings into Gaza.
6. The only crossing from Gaza into Egypt at Rafa has been hit by Israeli airstrikes.
7. Israel has accused Hamas of torturing and murdering babies and children in attacks.
8. The Palestinian representative at the United Nations said Israel was planning to use starvation as a method of warfare.
9. Strikes against Gaza have continued, with a huge blast reported in the area.
10. Alama spokesman says at least 30 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in overnight strikes.
11. Residential buildings, factories, and mosques have been among the targets hit.
12. The Pope has expressed concern over the total siege imposed on Palestinians in Gaza.
13. Israeli troops have been seizing back control and moving into communities that Hamas had attacked.
14. Israeli forces have uncovered atrocities, including the murder of mothers and children.
15. Israel has accused Hamas of bringing this violence upon Gaza.
16. Israel has been accused of breaking international law.
17. Supplies of food, power, and water into Gaza have been cut off.
18. Israeli troops are arriving in ever greater numbers, with senior commanders warning of a ground operation into Gaza.
19. Israel has called up 300,000 reservists to join its frontline troops.
20. Tanks and other heavy military equipment are massing near Gaza.
21. Some equipment has also been deployed to the northern border with Lebanon.
22. The UN has called for the laws of war to be upheld, including the release of hostages and the protection of civilians.
23. Israel has recovered the bodies of 150 Hamas fighters.
24. Many young people have been kidnapped by Hamas, including children and babies.
25. The BBC knows of many cases of youngsters and children being victims of the violence in Israel and Gaza.