Kerry steps up diplomatic push, as Israel pummels Gaza

  • 10 years ago
Buildings are ripped to shreds, as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza.

Shortly after a midday Israeli air strike, Palestinian medics said two people had died and 45 were injured.

The death toll from the 16-day conflict is said to have risen above 600.

With ceasefire talks in the works, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said his unannounced visit had made some progress.

He, along with Ban Ki-moon, are ramping up the pressure.

A rocket launched by Hamas militants hit a house near Ben Gurion airport, and with it Israel's economy has taken a fresh blow.

U.S. and European airlines banned flights to Tel Aviv amid safety concerns.

But the Israeli Airports Authority urged flights to resume:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISRAELI AIRPORTS AUTHORITY, OFER LEFFLER, SAYING:

"Ben Gurion airport is the safety place in Earth, is the safety place in Israel. Right now there are around 80 flights that canceled their come to Israel. A

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