Palestinian death toll tops 550, Gaza officials say
July 21, 2014
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The top Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip signaled Monday that the Islamic militant group will not agree to an unconditional cease-fire with Israel, while Israel’s defense minister pledged to keep fighting “as long as necessary” – raising new doubt about the highest-level mediation mission in two weeks.
Palestinian health officials said at least 550 Palestinians have been killed and 3,350 wounded since the new round of fighting started on July 8. Twenty-seven Israelis, including 25 soldiers, have been killed and several dozen wounded, including soldiers.