Air strikes

Israel vows to investigate civilian death claims

Palestinian medics said eight members of one family died in the strike, among them five children.

Israel said the attack targeted the home of Rasmi Abu Malhous, who it called a militant commander from the group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

It said no civilians were expected to be in harm's way.

The attack in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, was the deadliest episode in a two-day exchange of fire between Israel and the Palestinian group.

It took place on Thursday, shortly before a ceasefire came into effect.

     

VIDEO: Smoke on Egyptian border after airstrikes 40 kms away

It was not immediately clear what caused the smoke or if it was linked to the strikes.

There was also movement of Egyptian tanks near border that was visible from the Gaza side.

Earlier on Wednesday, dozens of Islamic militants unleashed a wave of simultaneous attacks, including suicide car bombings, on Egyptian army checkpoints in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 53 soldiers.