BLOODY RECKONING

Fears for innocent victims in bitter fight | UN condemns both sides over bloodshed

- CHRIS HUGHES 

AMID the bombings and the bloodshed, innocent victims of the war raging across Gaza and Israel continue to suffer unimaginable horrors.

As the UN begged both sides to stop targeting civilians, fears were growing for thousands of people, including women and children, caught up in the bitter conflict that is killing hundreds every day.

Pictures emerged of bloodied Palestinian tots being pulled from the rubble of buildings in Gaza, while Israelis told of their desperation as relatives were snatched during the Hamas massacre on Saturday. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said last night: "I recognise the legitimate grievances of the Palestinians. But nothing can justify these acts of terror and the killing, maiming and abduction of civilians.

"I recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns, but also remind Israel civilians must be respected and protected at all times."

But any hopes of peace look a long way off as Israel launched a blitz on Palestine while laying siege to Gaza, and Hamas kept up the deadly shelling of its neighbour.

Right-wing Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned attacks on Hamas have "only started", adding: "What we will do to our enemies in the next few days will reverberate with them for generations."

Tel Aviv last night cut off food, water and electricity supplies to the 2.1 million people who live in impoverished Gaza.