DUBAI, December 30. /TASS/. Several people were killed and there were wounded as a result of the Israel’s strike against the Az-Zawayda district in the central part of the Gaza Strip, the Al Jazeera TV Channel said.

The Israel Defense Forces continues raids against the city of Khan Yunis in the southern part of Gaza. According to Al Mayadeen television, fierce fighting takes place in the city.

Tensions flared up in the Middle East after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli territory on October 7, when many Israelis living in the settlements near the border were killed and over 200 people, including children, women and the elderly, were taken hostage. Hamas views its attack as a response to Israeli authorities’ steps against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.