Invasion fears grow as Netanyahu promises to turn Gaza into ‘deserted island’

Fears of a huge ground invasion of Gaza are growing after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to turn the besieged Palestinian enclave into a ‘deserted island’ in response to the worst attack his country has suffered in decades.

The pledge came after gunmen from Hamas, which governs Gaza, rampaged through Israeli towns and killed at least 250 people on Saturday while retreating with soldier and civilian hostages in the deadliest day of violence for Israel since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago.

The Israeli military responded with devastating retaliatory strikes on Gaza, killing more than 230 Palestinians in the blockaded strip, reports Al Jazeera.

Israeli forces were still bombing Gaza and fighting with Hamas gunmen in parts of southern Israel in the early hours of Sunday and a spokesman for the military said the situation in the country was not totally under control.

Israel cuts off electricity, fuel and goods to Gaza

Israel’s Security Council has decided to halt the supply of electricity, fuel and goods into Gaza and approved steps to bring about the “destruction of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas”, according to a statement.

Gaza residents spend night in terror, darkness

The 2.3 million Palestinians who live in the besieged Gaza Strip spent the night in terror and darkness as Israel intensified air attacks and cut off power to the coastal enclave.

The Israeli attacks flattened residential buildings in giant explosions, including a 14-story tower that held dozens of apartments as well as Hamas offices in central Gaza City. A five-story building in Gaza City was also reduced to ashes, according to The Associated Press news agency.

UN Security Council to hold emergency talks

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold emergency closed consultations over the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The meeting was first called by current UNSC member Malta, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil later adding their support. The 15 current members of the UNSC will attend the consultations at UN headquarters in New York at 3pm on Sunday (19:00 GMT).

It is expected, though not yet officially confirmed, that the council will be briefed by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland.