JERUSALEM - Israeli tanks and troops are massing near the Gaza border, as warplanes attack suspected Hamas targets in the Palestinian territory for a sixth day. 

While Israeli officials debated Thursday whether to send soldiers over the border, Israeli missiles fired from the air and sea destroyed Hamas government buildings, smuggling tunnels and rocket-launching sites.

The air strikes have killed at least 400 Palestinians and wounded nearly two-thousand more. The United Nations says about a quarter of the dead were civilians. Hamas rocket attacks have killed four Israelis since Saturday.

World leaders are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and are intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the violence.

But on Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council rejected an Arab proposal for a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says the time is not yet ripe for a truce. But he says the Jewish state will consider one if a cease-fire ensures better security in southern Israel.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says in order for any truce to be considered, Israel must stop its attacks and lift its blockade on Gaza.

Israel and Egypt sealed their borders with Gaza after Hamas seized control of the territory from the more moderate Palestinian faction Fatah in 2007.

The blockade has left the one-point-five million Gazans with little food or supplies, and senior United Nations official Maxwell Gaylord said Wednesday that many families are facing a life-or-death situation.

Israel says it will allow two thousand more tons of food and medical supplies into Gaza, and will allow some wounded Palestinians to be treated in Israel.

Source:  VOA News