Israeli strike hits Gaza power plant

Israeli tank fire hit the fuel depot of the Gaza Strip's only power plant earlier today, according to witnesses. Gaza City and other areas suffered power cuts as a result.

The power plant supplies two thirds of the territory's energy needs and was engulfed in flames sending a column of black smoke into the air.

The plant had already been hit last week and was working at a reduced capacity of about 20 percent, allowing only a few hours of electricity a day for Gaza's residents.

Israel carried out 76 strikes overnight - one of the biggest bombardments in the nearly month-long campaign.

A Palestinian health official said the overall Gaza death toll stands at 1,110. Israel said a total of 53 soldiers have been killed, including two civilians and a Thai national.