THE Israeli military was accused of targeting civilians after it detained dozens of Palestinians in a raid on a hospital in northern Gaza over the weekend.

Today Israeli war planes continued their attack on the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre while Egypt led moves towards a temporary ceasefire in the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya on Friday, detaining 44 male staff, according to the World Health Organisation. Palestinian medical officials said the hospital, which was treating some 200 patients, was heavily damaged in the raid.

Israel has raided several hospitals in Gaza over the course of the war, accusing Hamas and other resistance fighters of using them for military purposes. 

Palestinian medical officials deny those allegations and accuse the military of deliberately targeting civilians.

An Israeli military source said there was heavy fighting around the Kamal Adwan hospital and that weapons were found inside the facility. The source said medical staff were detained and searched because some of the militants had disguised themselves as medics.

No evidence was provided for this — or the claim that weapons were recovered.

The Israeli bombardment of Tyre has continued following an evacuation warning from the Israeli military for parts of the city, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported.

Footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising against the Mediterranean skyline, with fires and widespread destruction of residential buildings. No casualties have been reported.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called today for co-ordinated international efforts to establish a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. He also called for Israel to halt raids in the occupied West Bank and allow unfettered and immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel is reportedly in discussions with Egypt over a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon that would see four hostages released in exchange for a two-day halt to the fighting.

An unnamed Israeli official said: “We are examining every possible option to advance a deal.”

Another Israeli source, who attended a Likud party meeting today, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told members that he would immediately accept the Egyptian proposal. 

Hamas has yet to formally respond to the plan.