In the past three days, 19 Palestinians have been killed in fighting in Gaza, the majority of them militants. Around two dozen people have also been wounded. There have been no reports of any Israeli military deaths or injuries.

Since Israel stepped up its offensive in Gaza in June, following the kidnapping of one of its soldiers by militants, at least 250 Palestinians have been killed, around half civilians.

Israel says the offensive is designed to track down the kidnapped soldier and to stop militants firing home-made rockets into Israel. Rocket attacks have increased in recent days.

Four of the militants killed yesterday died when a house they were hiding in was hit by an Israeli missile strike, security sources said.

The Israeli military confirmed an attack, saying an antitank missile had been fired at one of its units and they had responded. A column of Israeli tanks backed by attack helicopters moved into an area east of the town of Jabalya, outside Gaza City, overnight. Israel says the operation will end today but that the timing "will be determined according to security assessments".