Dozens of Palestinians killed by Israeli shelling

World Today

As the death toll rises on each side, the international community is trying desperately to revive cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Palestine. CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from Tel Aviv with more.

Dozens of Palestinians killed in shelling by Israel

As the death toll rises on each side, the international community is trying desperately to revive cease-fire negotiations. CCTV's Stephanie Freid reports from Tel Aviv with more.

The nearly two-week conflict appeared to be escalating as U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon headed to the region to try to revive cease-fire efforts. The United States on Sunday also sharpened its criticism of Hamas and urged the militant Palestinian group to accept a cease-fire agreement with Israel.

The Obama administration toned down its earlier rebuke of Israel for attacks on the Gaza Strip that have killed civilians, including children, although Secretary of State John Kerry said he remains concerned about the rising death toll that so far includes at least 425 Palestinians and 20 Israelis.

Meanwhile, Gaza has suffered the highest death toll since Israel’s offensive began, with at least 87 people reported killed on Sunday — 67 in one area. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the deaths in the Shejaiya district east of Gaza City were a “massacre.” Witnesses spoke of bodies lying in the streets.

A humanitarian truce was agreed to in the area, but lasted less than an hour. Israel said that 13 of its soldiers had been killed since Saturday night.

The militant group Hamas claims to have captured an Israeli soldier. Sunday’s announcement coincided with what is described as one of the fiercest days of Israeli shelling in the last two weeks. CCTV’s Jim Spellman reports.

Hamas claims to have captured an Israeli soldier

The militant group Hamas claims to have captured an Israeli soldier. Sunday's announcement coincided with what is described as one of the fiercest days of Israeli shelling in the last two weeks. CCTV's Jim Spellman reports.

CCTV’s Susan Roberts Skyped with Karl Schembri, the middle East Regional Media Manager with the organization “Save The Children,” to find out about the extent of the refugee crisis in Gaza.

Karl Schembri on the extent of humanitarian crisis in Gaza

CCTV's Susan Roberts skyped Karl Schembri, the middle East Regional Media Manager with the organization "Save The Children" , to find out about the extent of the refugee crisis in Gaza.