Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 17 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and destroyed bulldozers and other heavy equipment provided by mediators to clear the rubble.
Two people were killed in separate attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Israel's 18-month offensive against Hamas has destroyed vast swathes of Gaza, raising fears that much of it may never be rebuilt.
The region already faces a shortage of heavy equipment needed for rescue operations under the rubble of Israeli attacks and to clear vital roads.
Israeli forces said they struck and destroyed about 40 pieces of heavy equipment. Israel says Hamas used the vehicles, including bulldozers, to plant explosive devices, dig tunnels and destroy fences, including during a major attack on October 7, 2023.
Municipal authorities in the northern Gaza Strip's Jabaliya district said a strike on their parking lot destroyed nine bulldozers provided by Egypt and Qatar that helped broker a ceasefire that took effect in January.
Last month, Israel ended the ceasefire, resuming bombing and ground operations and cutting off imports including food, fuel and medicine for the two million Palestinians living in the territory.
The Jabalia al-Nazla municipality said the strikes also destroyed a water tanker and a mobile generator provided by humanitarian organizations, as well as a truck used to pump out sewage.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the attacks. The military says it is only targeting militants, blaming Hamas for the civilian deaths because the group operates in densely populated areas.
An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday destroyed a multi-story building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing nine people, including four women and four children, according to Nasser Hospital, where the bodies were taken. Among the dead were a 2-year-old girl and her parents.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
