The open-ended ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and the Palestinians held on Wednesday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced strong criticism in his country's newspapers over a campaign in which no clear victor emerged.
From the sandy expanses of the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian families are fleeing their homes destroyed by airstrikes, but refuse to blame the Hamas rocket crews who draw Israeli fire.
Israel bombed dozens more targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday and said that, while it was prepared to step up its offensive by sending in troops, it preferred a diplomatic solution that would end Palestinian rocket fire.
The UN Security Council held a meeting on Monday evening in a bid to bridge the gap among some member states on a proposed council statement on the recently escalated clashes between Israel and the Palestinian militants over Gaza, diplomats told Xinhua.
A cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups might be reached Monday night or Tuesday, an Egyptian security source said.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders to support the Egyptian-led goal of an early cease-fire.
Gaza deaths rises to 110
Gaza cease-fire may finalize in 24 hours
The ongoing Israeli warplanes airstrikes on various targets in the Gaza Strip has taken the life of 110 Palestinians since the start of the Israeli attack.
Thirteen Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Monday in the Gaza Strip, putting the death toll to 86 since the airstrikes enters the sixth day.
Israel's intensified bombardment on the Gaza Strip and a threat of ground assault have met with strong objections from the international community, including the West.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday strongly urged Israel and Palestinian militants "to cooperate with all efforts led by Egypt to reach an immediate cease".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning said that Israeli Defense Forces is prepared to widen Operation Pillar of Defense if necessary.
The Arab League (AL) decided Saturday to send a ministerial committee headed by Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi to the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Saturday that they have assassinated Osama Kadi, a Hamas commander in charge of the weapon- smuggling tunnels in Gaza.
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