Five Palestinians were killed and another five wounded when an Israeli helicopter gunship fired at least one missile at an open area in eastern Gaza City early Wednesday, Palestinian medical sources said.
Another five people were injured in the strike, one of whom was in critical condition, they said.
Initial reports from Palestinian security sources said all the dead were members of the Hamas movement who were sitting outside in an area between several buildings in Gaza City's eastern al-Shijaiya district. The target of the attack was thought to be a Hamas leader called Ahmed al-Shabari, but he escape the strike unharmed.
MORE PRISONERS JOIN HUNGER STRIKE: Hundreds more Palestinian prisoners were joining an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli jails Wednesday as Palestinian leader announced he would also fast for the day in a show of solidarity. A total of 2,264 of the 3,800 prisoners who are being held in prison service-run detention centres were now refusing their meals, according to prison service spokesman Ian Domnitz.