FOG BLOG WORLD NEWS LOG: THOUSANDS BEING KILLED ON BOTH SIDES DURING RAMPED UP FIGHTING:

Human impact. At least 2,670 Palestinians, a quarter of them children, have been killed in Israeli air raids. The number of Israelis killed in Hamas's military operation stands at 1,400, including 286 soldiers.

• Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated into a "complete catastrophe," aid workers say, as tens of thousands of Palestinians try to flee south.

• Israel says half a million residents have left northern Gaza for the south as it gears up for the next stages of its war with Hamas. More than 2,600 people have died as Israel pounds Gaza with strikes, the Palestinian health ministry says.

• An Israeli siege has cut off Gazans from critical resources. The blockade has made it difficult or impossible for people to leave — and for humanitarian aid to get in.

• Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis are intensifying. Egypt faces pressure to open a humanitarian corridor, while top US officials meet with leaders across the region.

• Israel launched its offensive in response to devastating Hamas terror attacks that killed 1,400 people. It says the next phase of battle will feature more strikes and "significant ground operations.".