Gaza and southern Israel
have seen an upsurge in violence despite a plea by the UN secretary
general for a cessation of hostilities.
Explosions in Gaza City reportedly killed 10 people, including children.Israel confirmed five of its soldiers died on Monday - one inside Gaza and four in a mortar attack along the border. Five Hamas militants were also killed inside Israel, officials said.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a "prolonged" Israeli campaign in Gaza.
"We will continue to act aggressively and responsibly until the mission is completed to protect our citizens, soldiers and children," Mr Netanyahu said.
Calling Monday a "painful day", Mr Netanyahu said Israel would not finish its operation until it had "neutralised" Hamas tunnels out of Gaza.
Fighting between Israel and Hamas has claimed more than 1,030 Palestinian lives, most of them civilian, since 8 July, when Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza after a surge in rocket fire.
On 18 July, it extended operations with a ground offensive, saying it was necessary to destroy tunnels dug by militants to infiltrate Israel.
Israel's military death toll rose to 48 with Monday's deaths. Three civilians have also died.
On the festival of Eid al-Fitr, children were out playing in Gaza City and witnessed explosions and their aftermath
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