Israel’s military is investigating claims dozens of people have been killed in strikes on Gaza, which it says targeted the mastermind behind the 7 October attack.

The Hamas-run health ministry said at least 71 people died and a further 289 were injured in the attack on the southern city of Khan Younis, which hit tents occupied by refugees fleeing the conflict.

The militant group has described the strikes as “a grave escalation” and evidence Israel was not interested in a ceasefire.

An Israeli security official has confirmed the target of the attack was Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

He was the secretive commander behind Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel last October, which triggered the devastating war in Gaza.

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