Gaza toll 1,363 as Israel calls up more reservists

At least 92 Palestinians were killed today, including 20 at a UN-run school, in fierce fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the death toll sharply rose to 1,323 despite the Jewish nation agreeing to observe a four-hour humanitarian pause. AP photo

The toll in the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has escalated to 1,363, the Palestinian health ministry said Thursday even as Israel called up more reservists to bolster its military.

The victims include 315 children and 166 women, Xinhua reported.

About 7,600 Palestinians have been injured, including 2,307 children and 1,529 women.

More than 240,000 Palestinians, or one out of every eight Gazans, have been displaced.

 

The ministry said that 15 of its staff members have been killed and 16 others wounded during the offensive.

Thirteen hospitals, seven care centres and nine ambulances were damaged.

Meanwhile, Israel is calling up 16,000 extra reservists to bolster its military, bringing the total number of reserve soldiers to 86,000.

The order was issued as Israel's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza entered its 24th day Thursday.

 

The offensive has also claimed the lives of 56 Israelis, including 53 soldiers.