The full extent of the damage will only be known when the fighting ends and inspectors have access to the territory.

Even if the bombs stop raining down, starvation and health crises will continue until the 18-year siege is ended.

The U.N. estimates that more than 50 million tons of debris now covers Gaza's streets and would take over 15 years to clear.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are eager to leave miserable tent ... or whether Israel and Egypt will lift a blockade limiting the movement of people and goods that they imposed when Hamas seized ...