The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it was sending two surgical teams to Gaza and setting up a surgical unit in the Israeli-besieged main hospital to treat heavy Palestinian casualties.

"This infusion of medical expertise and material will expedite the long road to recovery and relieve a stressed and overburdened health care system," said Robert Mardini, ICRC's director for the Near and Middle East, adding that 13,000 people had been wounded since protests began on March 30. 

Israel killed tens of Palestinians and left thousands wounded through its use of live ammunition to crush Palestinian protests against the occupation.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online