Israel to summon 16,000 reserve troops

Jerusalem, July 31: The

Defence Forces (IDF) were Thursday instructed to summon 16,000 more reserve soldiers amid the ongoing operation in the

Strip, bringing the total number of reserve soldiers to 86,000 even as the toll in the coastal enclave in the current offensive touched 1,360.

The order followed Wednesday's five-hour meeting of the cabinet, which voted to push forward and increase the military operation in Gaza, as Operation Protective Edge entered its 24th day Thursday.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, more than 1,360 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,600 injured, most of them civilians, in the hostilities.

Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died and 120 injured since the start of Israel's ground incursion into Gaza July 17.

Three Israeli civilians have also been killed in the ongoing clashes.

IANS