Israeli jets struck an apartment block in central Gaza, turning the four-storey building instantly into dust and rubble.

Pictures of the attack show what appears to be a missile destroying the residential building in Nuseirat, an area where thousands of displaced Palestinians have been sheltering, and setting off a cloud of dust and smoke.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have not yet commented.

It came as at least 22 people were killed in air strikes across Gaza on Tuesday, according to authorities in the Hamas-run territory.

Meanwhile, the IDF has reported fierce battles against Hamas in central and southern Gaza, including what it described as a “complex operation” to free a hostage in the south.