Dozens of people were killed in Gaza, officials said Saturday, as protestors in Israel demand an end to the war in the Palestinian enclave and release of the remaining Hamas-held hostages.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli planes and tanks pounded the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City overnight Saturday to Sunday, destroying buildings and homes, residents said, as Israeli leaders vowed to press on with a planned offensive on the city.