US offers to broker Gaza Israel ceasefire

President Obama says he is prepared to help broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

In a phone call with the Israeli prime minister, Mr Obama said both sides had to avoid further escalation and restore calm.

At least 100 people are now reported to have been killed in Gaza by Israeli air attacks, launched in response to Palestinian rocket fire.

No Israelis have been killed, but two men were severely injured last night when a rocket hit a petrol station in the southern city of Ashdod.

Yolande Knell reports from Gaza.