In pictures: Gaza conflict steps up

ADVISORY: This gallery contains images viewers may find distressing. Israel's military has reportedly been involved in fierce fighting around Gaza City, after its warplanes launched another night of air strikes.

The conflict showed no sign of abating despite last week's UN resolution - rejected by Israel and Hamas - calling for an immediate ceasefire. Correspondents say it could well intensify before it ends.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the state was nearing its goals in Gaza, as he signalled the offensive would continue. It comes weeks before a parliamentary election in Israel.

Strikes took place near the Rafah refugee camps. Israel has also been accused of using white phosphorus shells in the Gaza campaign - a charge it denies.

But militants have still been able to fire barrages of rockets from Gaza deep inside southern Israel.

Aid agencies say Gaza's 1.5 million residents are in urgent need of food and medical aid.

Thirteen Israelis - 10 soldiers and three civilians - have died since the conflict began on 27 December.

But Palestinians have borne the brunt of the bloodshed. Medics say the number of people killed in Gaza is now approaching 900 and estimate nearly a third of the dead have been children.

In addition to the fatalities, about 3,600 people have been wounded, according to Palestinian medical officials in Gaza.

Meanwhile pro-Palestine protests continued throughout the Middle East...

...and across the world, including, Rome, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Tokyo. Demonstrations have also been held in support of Israel.

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