A huge sandstorm eclipsed parts of Gaza as Israel carried out deadly airstrikes [Getty]
Three Palestinians were killed on Saturday as Israeli forces continued attacks across the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire that has been repeatedly violated by Israel since October.
Asmaa Hussein al-Saeedi, 54, died after being shot by Israeli forces east of the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Palestinian reports.
Earlier, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a police checkpoint near the Al-Amal neighbourhood of Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Medical sources identified the victims as Ahmad Mohammed Abdel Hamid al-Maghribi, 35, and Musab Ghazi Suleiman al-Raqab, 43.
The Israeli military has continued striking Gaza on a near-daily basis despite an 10 October ceasefire
Seven people have been killed since Thursday morning, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said early on Saturday, adding that at least 658 people have been killed in the besieged enclave since the ceasefire came into effect.
On the ground, Israeli forces carried out artillery shelling and opened fire in several areas in the east of the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning.
Israeli artillery also targeted eastern areas of Khan Younis, while Israeli tanks fired heavy gunfire and illumination flares into the skies over the area.
Further shelling struck areas north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.
The attacks came as much of Gaza was battered by a powerful sandstorm on Saturday morning, accompanied by strong winds and dense dust that have worsened already dire conditions for displaced Palestinians.
Hundreds of thousands of people across the enclave are living in worn fabric tents that offer little protection from harsh weather.
As the winds intensified, displacement tents were seen swaying violently with each gust while sand swept into camps, covering the few belongings left to families who have been displaced for months.
Gaza’s Civil Defence urged residents to take precautions against the dust storm.
The agency warned of the dangers of direct exposure to the dust, particularly for the elderly, children and people with respiratory illnesses.
Residents were advised to remain inside homes, shelters or tents unless absolutely necessary.
Authorities also urged displaced families to secure tents and tarpaulins properly to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.
