Health authorities say Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 21 people. More than half of those killed late Tuesday and early Wednesday reportedly were women and children.

New ground and air offensive comes after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed in one of the deadliest incidents in months.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are suffering from acute malnutrition. Meanwhile, Israel is expanding its attacks in a city that had been spared until recently. The move is drawing criticism even from Israelis.

Paris joins 147 nations in backing Palestinian statehood; Washington calls the move reckless, while Israel labels it a reward for terrorism.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon told Newsweek that France's move constituted a "reward for terrorism."

Israel over "drip feeding" of aid to Palestinians and say "the war in Gaza must end," just as it looks set to expand.

The aid agency says its buildings in the central part of the territory were attacked after the military targeted Deir al-Balah, which had largely been spared.

Slovenia calls upon Israel to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law and to immediately allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid,' says Foreign Ministry - Anadolu Ajansı

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Tuesday issued a sharp condemnation of Israel's expanding military operations in the Gaza Strip. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is disgraceful, it is a scandal that must be ended immediately,

Context: Deir al-Balah had been an informal refuge for Palestinians escaping other parts of Gaza, and huge tent camps have sprung up in the city. The city also hosts warehouses for the U.N. as well as guesthouses for U.N. staff.