Israel warns of wider Gaza assault as toll hits 271

GAZA CITY, July 18 (AFP): : At least three Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli bombing in central and southern Gaza Friday afternoon, medics said.
Two people were killed in Khan Yunis in the south and a third died in central Nusseirat, said emergency services spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra.
The four deaths brought the toll on the 11th day of violence to 271, as Israel pressed a ground operation that it launched overnight.
Israel warned Friday it could broaden a Gaza ground assault, as it intensified attacks that have killed more than 271 Palestinians.
The UN Security Council was set to meet for an emergency session Friday on the situation in Gaza, following the launch of an Israeli ground operation, diplomats said.
The meeting -- called at the request of Jordan and Turkey -- was due to begin at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT).
Diplomats stepped up efforts to halt 11 days of bloodshed in and around the battered Gaza Strip while Pope Francis demanded an immediate ceasefire in a phone call with Israeli President Shimon Peres and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas.