World
UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has expressed extreme concern at the situation in Gaza, describing a ceasefire as "vital". She said the conflict meant 44% of Gaza was a no-go area for Palestinians, and residents were running out of food. More than 710 Palestinians and 30 Israelis have been killed in the past 16 days of fighting, officials say. Israel's ground operations and air strikes have continued, and more Hamas rockets have been fired into Israel.
Background:
U.N.: Gaza humanitarian situation 'dire' [BBC]
U.S. lifts ban on flights to Israel as Gaza toll tops 700 [Reuters]
