Gaza death toll rises as Israel intensifies airstrikes

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The death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 241, as Israel continued its airstrikes on the besieged enclave for the ninth consecutive day.


The Hamas-run health ministry said on Wednesday that 382 people were also wounded in the past 24 hours, as Israeli warplanes targeted residential buildings, infrastructure, and military sites.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel's "aggression" and "massacres" in Gaza, calling it a "grave crime" against the Palestinian people.


He also urged the international community to intervene and stop the "Israeli escalation" that threatens regional stability and security.


Meanwhile, Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said the military operation against Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza, would continue for "many more months".


He said the army had hit more than 100 targets on Tuesday, including rocket launchers, tunnels, and command centers.


He also warned of possible ground incursions in central Gaza, where Israeli forces have massed along the border.


Israel says it is acting in self-defense and trying to stop rocket attacks from Gaza that have killed 12 people and injured hundreds in Israel.


However, human rights groups have accused Israel of using disproportionate and indiscriminate force, and violating international law by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.


The United Nations has also expressed alarm over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been displaced and access to water, electricity, and health services is severely disrupted.


The UN Security Council is expected to hold another emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the crisis, after failing to agree on a joint statement in previous sessions.


The US, Israel's main ally, has blocked several attempts by other council members to issue a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law.


The US has also said it is engaged in "quiet and intensive diplomacy" to de-escalate the situation and restore calm.


However, so far, there has been no sign of a breakthrough or a halt to the violence, as both sides have vowed to continue fighting until their demands are met.

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