Gaza’s civil defence agency has said at least 17 people were killed in Israeli strikes as the military intensified its bombardment of Gaza City, AFP reports.

The dead included six civilians who had been waiting for humanitarian aid, said civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal.

“The Israeli occupation forces are intensifying their raids in the Zeitun area” of Gaza City, he said.

The Israeli military has yet to comment.

“For the fourth consecutive day, the area has been subject to a military operation, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries,” said Bassal. “Since dawn today, we have received 28 calls from families and residents of this neighbourhood, some of whose children have been killed.

“Many people cannot leave these areas due to artillery fire,” the spokesperson added.

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