Israel launched at least three air strikes on besieged Gaza shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out fresh attacks, according to the Palestinian civil defence agency in the besieged enclave.

"The occupation is now bombing Gaza with at least three air strikes despite the ceasefire agreement", Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the agency told AFP.

The sounds of tanks firing and explosions can be heard and seen in Gaza City and other parts of Gaza, according to witnesses.