In Pictures: Destruction in Khan Younis after Israeli operation

Israeli forces killed seven Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday in air attacks and an undercover raid that Hamas, which governs the besieged enclave, said targeted one of its commanders.

Medics and Hamas officials said at least seven people were killed, including Hamas commander Nour Baraka.

The attack prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a visit to Paris, where he had gathered with world leaders for a World War I commemoration.

According to witnesses, Israeli aircraft fired more than 40 missiles in the area.

The Israeli military said one of its officers died during the operation that is likely to boost tensions.

Since 2008, Israel has launched three major assaults on Gaza that have heavily damaged the Strip’s infrastructure and sources of livelihood.

The enclave with nearly two million people has been under an air and sea blocakde imposed by Israel since 2007.