US part of the problem, not part of the solution

Tensions between Israel and militant groups in the Gaza Strip continued to escalate on Sunday for the seventh day in a row, and the international community needs to act with urgency to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.

Each year, the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis flares up around the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. But this year's confrontation is particularly violent.

Israeli air strikes have already caused huge Palestinian civilian casualties, including many women and children, and there have been Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza. At least 197 Palestinians have been killed, including 58 children, and more than 1,200 wounded since Israel began its air strikes against Hamas on May 10. In Israel, 10 people, including one child, have been killed and 294 wounded in rocket attacks launched by armed groups in Gaza.