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                    Israel's Deadly Gaza Offensive Continues

   by VOA News

   Israel's Gaza deadly air strike offensive entered its fifth day
   Saturday.

   With several people killed overnight, well over 100 Palestinians have
   been killed since Israel launched it offensive on the Gaza Strip
   Tuesday.
   Palestinians say more than 120 have died.

   Although Hamas and other militants have fired nearly 700 rockets at
   Israel, so far no Israelis have been killed, in large part due to
   Israel's rocket defense system - the partly U.S.-funded Iron Dome.

   1,000 Gaza sites targeted
   Israel says it has targeted 1,000 sites in Gaza and more are intended.
   Palestinians say a mosque was bombed and turned into rubble.  Israel
   says the mosque was used to hide weapons.

   The U.N. high commissioner for human rights cast doubt Friday that
   Israel's military operation has complied with international law banning
   the targeting of civilians.

   UN expresses concerns
   Navi Pillay said the U.N. had received "deeply disturbing reports" that
   many of the civilian casualties, including women and children,
   "occurred as a result of strikes on homes."

   Israel insists it has made efforts to avoid civilian casualties, but
   accuses Hamas of hiding in residential areas.
   US willing to mediate

   Washington said Friday it is willing to turn to some of its Middle East
   allies to help bring an end to the violence.

   Spokesman Josh Earnest said the U.S. has a number of relationships it
   is willing to leverage.

   Earnest also condemned rocket attacks on Israel Friday from Lebanon.
   He reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself while again appealing to
   all sides to protect civilian lives and restore calm.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/israels-deadly-gaza-offensive-continues/1956123.html