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Footage shows dozens of bodies in Gaza's Shujaya

July 20, 2014 at 10:20 am

A video displayed Sunday by Hamas-run Al-Aqsa satellite channel showed dozens of bodies scattered on the streets of al-Shujaya district in eastern Gaza City in the aftermath of heavy Israeli shelling in the area.

The video showed Palestinian families fleeing their homes amid cries and screams, just moments after the area was pounded by Israeli artillery fire.

Medical sources said that dozens of bodies are still trapped in the area, which remains inaccessible for ambulances.

There is no specific toll yet for the fatalities, but Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qodra told Anadolu Agency that at least 13 Palestinians were killed and 200 others injured in Israeli shelling of residential areas, including al-Shujaya, in eastern Gaza City.

Dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles have forced their way into the eastern parts of Gaza City amid heavy artillery fire from the Israeli tanks in the area, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes towards the center of the city.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that the Israeli troops advanced into Zaitoun, Toffah and al-Shujaya areas in eastern Gaza City where they pounded several homes.

The incursion was coupled with heavy fighting between the Israeli troops and Palestinian resistance fighters, the witnesses added.

Since July 7, Israeli army has been pounding the Gaza Strip with devastating air and naval bombardment with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire.

On Thursday, the Israeli army launched a ground assault into the Palestinian territory, sending thousands of troops into the blockades seaside enclave.

At least 358 Palestinians had been killed in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli operation. Around 2650 Palestinians have also been injured.

Report by Ola Attalah, Anadolu news agency and Images by MEMO photographer Mohammed Asad.

Warning: Images and video contain extremely graphic images and are not suitable for all.