UN says number of displaced almost doubles
Al-Huriya News Agency - The number of people in Gaza seeking sanctuary from the conflict with Israel nearly doubled on Friday, the UN says.
Relief workers in Gaza said there were now more than 40,000 people being protected in 34 UN shelters.
It comes after Israel sent troops and tanks into Gaza on Thursday, targeting Hamas militants who are firing rockets into Israel.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is due to the region on Saturday to meet both sides.
The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session to discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a "significant expansion" of the offensive.
Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza, said Israel would "pay a high price" for the invasion.
'Heavy response'
Mr Ban's visit would aim to help Israelis and Palestinians "end the violence and find a way forward", UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman said.
"Israel has legitimate security concerns, and we condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. But we are alarmed by Israel's heavy response," he added.
