Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked a “significant” Hamas command-and-control centre sited in the humanitarian area in Khan Yunis, the Israeli government stated on Tuesday morning.

Reuters reported that at least 14 Palestinians were dead, according to Hamas and medical sources, who said Israel launched at least four missiles and that 20 tents were ablaze.

“The terrorists advanced and carried out terror attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel,” the Israeli government statement said. “Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional means.

“The terrorist organisations in the Gaza Strip continue to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated humanitarian area, to carry out terrorist activity against the State of Israel and IDF troops.”