At least 50 killed in Israeli strikes, Gaza civil defence says

Gaza's civil defence agency said Wednesday that overnight air strikes killed at least 50 people in the Palestinian territory, as the Israeli military hit a string of targets after an attack that left a soldier dead.

Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal called the strikes "a clear and flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement", though US President Donald Trump insisted during a trip to Asia that "nothing" would jeopardise the truce he helped broker.

Recommended For You

How Dubai's Future Loop project will connect iconic landmarks, ease traffic

Dharmendra discharged from hospital as family decides to take him home: Doctor

Ruud Gullit brings AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai

Fewer holiday trips, tighter budget: Families cut back on travel, report says

UAE-UK flights: Advisory issued for Emirates, Etihad passengers flying to Manchester

 

The civil defence, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas authority, said 22 children were among those killed, as well as women and the elderly, and that around 200 people were wounded.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

"The Israeli strikes targeted tents for displaced people, homes and the vicinity of a hospital in the Strip," Bassal told AFP.

Israel began carrying out air strikes in recent days despite an ongoing ceasefire, after accusing Hamas of attacking its troops and violating a ceasefire.

A military official said soldier Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, was killed in Rafah when an engineering vehicle was hit by "enemy fire".

"A few minutes later, several anti-tank missiles were fired at another armoured vehicle belonging to the troops in the area," the official said.

Hamas said its fighters had "no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah" and reaffirmed its commitment to the US-backed ceasefire.

Trump defended Israel's response on Wednesday, but added that "nothing's going to jeopardise" the truce.

"They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back," Trump told reporters on Air Force One during his tour of Asia.