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Gaza: Israeli forces killed 33 Palestinians, about half of them civilians, in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in intense fighting that renewed threats of a broader Israeli offensive and put peace talks at risk.
In all, 68 Palestinians have died since clashes between Israel and extremists affiliated with Gaza's ruling Hamas movement since Wednesday. At least 23 were civilians, the youngest a 6-month-old boy.
The Israeli military, which sent troops, tanks and aircraft after Gaza rocket squads, said it only attacks rocket-launching operations, but noted that militants sometimes operate within civilian areas.
On Saturday, it said troops identified 15 hits in its operations against rocket squads and militants laying explosive devices against Israeli targets.
Fierce fighting Saturday erupted near the northern town of Jebaliya, pitting Israeli troops backed by tanks and aircraft against Palestinian militants launching crude rockets and mortars.
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