An Israeli missile hit a building in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, in retaliation for rockets fired from Gaza into Israel.

Israel said that scores of rockets had been fired from Gaza overnight, most of them intercepted. The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.

Since Friday, Israeli airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip have killed 15 people including a child.

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Gaza - 6 August 2022. Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli air strike on Gaza City.

STORYLINE:

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, last night expressed concern about the rising escalation in the Gaza Strip.

“I am deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation” in the Gaza Strip, said Wennesland in a statement, stressing that “I am deeply saddened by reports that a five-year-old child has been killed in these strikes. There can be no justification for any attacks against civilians.”

The UN Special Coordinator warned that “the continuing escalation is very dangerous,” calling on all sides to avoid further escalation.

“The progress made in gradually opening Gaza since the end of the May escalation risks being undone, leading to even greater humanitarian needs at a time when global resources are stretched and international financial support for a renewed humanitarian effort in Gaza will not be easily available,” he said.

“The UN is fully engaged with all concerned in an attempt to avoid a further conflict which would have devastating consequences, mainly for civilians,” said Wennesland, adding, “The responsibility is with the parties to avoid this from happening.”

Footage by /APA