Eight killed in Israeli air strike while watching World Cup Semi-finals

The World Cup was supposed to be a respite after two days of continuous Israeli air strikes. 

But a raid killed nine people and injured 15 as they were watching the semi-final match between Netherlands and Argentina in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The raid practically demolished and flattened the Fun Time Beach cafe, which is at the Southern Gaza Strip.

In fact, the only indication that the popular seaside cafe once stood there is the cafe's multi-coloured sign.

The boys who were killed were said to be enthusiastic football fans supporting both Argentina and Germany.

Yesterday's match saw Argentina triumph in the penalty shootout after a goal-less game that stretched out to extra time.

But to these Palestinians, they are looking at a different score.

"And the result from this match here? The Jews won 9-0," said a resident who was at the cafe when the missile hit.

78 Palestinians killed

Meanwhile, the Israeli air strike campaign is in its fourth day and shows no signs of letting up.

So far more than 70 Palestinians have been killed, among them, 60 were civilians. 

US President Barack Obama has offered to step in by telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that the US is willing to help negotiate a ceasefire.

Sources: AFP, The Independent, Telegraph, Daily Mail