DUBAI, December 28. /TASS/. Israeli forces shelled a residential building in the city of Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reported.

At least 20 people were killed in the strike, according to the report.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas has cast the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel has declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started a military operation there. Israel also strikes parts of Lebanon and Syria in retaliation for bombardments originating from these countries. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.