ISRAELI air attacks early today killed at least 10 people in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, according to local health officials.

Two of the attacks hit tents in the southern city of Khan Younis, each killing two children and their parents.

Other attacks killed a child and a man riding a bicycle, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies from all strikes.

The Israeli military says it only targets militants and tries to avoid harming civilians. It blames Hamas for civilian deaths in the 19-month-long war because the militants are embedded in densely populated areas. 

There was no immediate Israeli comment on the latest strikes.

Israel has blocked all food, medicine and emergency shelters from reaching Palestinians in Gaza for over 10 weeks in what it says is a pressure tactic aimed at forcing Hamas to release hostages. 

Many experts describe Israel’s actions as using starvation as a weapon — a war crime.

Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire deal with Hamas in March, shattering an agreement that had facilitated the release of more than 30 hostages.

Aid groups say food supplies are running low and hunger is widespread.

US President Donald Trump, whose administration has voiced full support for Israel’s actions, is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week in a regional tour that will not include Israel.

The war began when Hamas-led resistance fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, during which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

There are still 59 hostages inside Gaza after most were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

The Israelis have killed over 52,000 Palestinians in retaliation, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. 

Around 90 per cent of Gaza’s population of two million has been displaced and vast areas the the strip have been destroyed.