According to reports, Israeli artillery fire killed 22 people who had sought shelter around its compound.

In a statement, the Red Cross claimed heavy-calibre projectiles landed within metres of their office and residences on Friday afternoon.

However, an Israel Defence Forces spokesman said that initial inquiries suggested there was no indication that it had conducted out a strike in the area, but said the situation was being reviewed.

In a separate development, the Palestinian presidency has welcomed Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

The Palestinian presidency expressed its thanks to Armenia for the step. Norway, Ireland, and Spain made a coordinated announcement last month declaring their recognition of Palestine as a State.

As it stands, over 140 countries recognize a Palestinian State.

On Saturday afternoon, more attacks led to more deaths, reported Reuters, with more than 40 people being killed in Israeli attacks on districts of Gaza City.

Twenty four people were killed by one Israeli strike on houses in Al-Shati, one of the Gaza Strip’s eight historic refugee camps, while another 18 Palestinians were killed in a strike on houses in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood.

The Israeli military had released a brief statement saying: “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hamas infrastructure sites in the area of Gaza City.”

By Nathan Morley