Date:14/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/14/stories/2009011456241400.htm

International

Severe damage in Rafah

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Israeli forces have made fresh attempts to encircle Gaza city but are encountering stiff resistance from Hamas fighters.

As the Gaza conflict entered its eighteenth day on Tuesday, Israeli troops moved into new positions on the southern fringes of the thickly-populated Gaza city, described as the “nerve centre” of the conflict.

Fighting was also reported in Beit Lahiya, to the north, and in Khan Younis to the east. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli planes have caused extensive damage to the Rafah area. Television pictures showed scenes of devastation with collapsed buildings and panic stricken women and children leaving the area for elusive safe-havens. The Palestinian death toll from the fighting has now risen to 940. Civilians, with the majority being women and children comprise nearly 40 per cent of the casualties.