BLOODY RECKONING

Fears for innocent victims of atrocities | 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 Prime Minister 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 2.1million people who live in impoverished Gaza.

Guterres said he was "deeply distressed" by the siege.

He added: "The humanitarian situation was extremely dire before these hostilities, now it will only deteriorate exponentially.

It was claimed the Hamas attack left 900 Israelis dead. Among those missing, feared killed, are 10 Brits. The terror group claimed four out of more than 130 hostages it took in Saturday's raid had died as a result of Israeli strikes. And it warned others would be murdered if there are any further air raids.