Civilian death toll rises as plight worsens

By Vita Bekker in Tel Aviv

Published: January 4 2009 19:27 | Last updated: January 4 2009 19:27, Financial Times

The Israeli ground invasion launched on Saturday into the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of more than two dozen Palestinians and is worsening already dire humanitarian conditions in the impoverished enclave, aid organisations and witnesses said on Sunday.

At least a quarter of those killed since late Saturday were civilians, the aid groups said. The casualties increased the death toll since Israel began its military operation in Gaza eight days ago to as many as 500 people, including dozens of women and children, they added.