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GAZA CITY. – Israeli aircraft and tanks have hit more than 70 targets in the Gaza strip, including five mosques, a football stadium and the home of the late leader of Hamas’ military wing, according to Palestinian police.
At least seven Palestinians were reported killed in the new round of air strikes early yesterday, bringing the death toll of Israel’s two-week assault on the Gaza Strip to more than 580.

Police spokesperson Ayman Batniji said tank shells damaged several houses along the eastern border of the territory and that at least 19 fishing boats were destroyed by navy shells fired from the Mediterranean.

Artillery shelling continued yesterday morning, especially near the eastern border areas. “Israeli tanks are stationed about 700-800 metres away from the borders and are expected to continue to come closer,” she said.

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The intense Israeli bombardment came as UN chief Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry met in Cairo to launch the highest-level push yet to end the two weeks of violence.

The death toll in Israel’s 14-day offensive climbed to more than 583 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children. More than 3 600 others have been injured. The Israeli military yesterday said two soldiers were killed the day before by rockets fired from Gaza, bringing the Israeli toll to 27 troops and two civilians in the bloodiest Gaza conflict since 2009.

Kerry said he was hoping to get international support in Washington’s push for a ceasefire, while acknowledging that the differences between Israel and Hamas run deep and must be addressed in any long-term solution. – Al Jazeera and agencies.