Israel said Thursday that it “deeply regrets” a deadly strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which killed three people.

Israel's recent strike on a Catholic church in Gaza, which killed three civilians and injured nine, has sparked a political backlash from its most staunch allies, including evangelical Christians and American politicians,

An Israeli strike hit tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in the built-up, seaside Shati refugee camp on the western side of Gaza City, killing at least 12 people, according to the city’s Shifa Hospital,

The aid agency says its buildings in the central part of the territory were attacked after the military targeted Deir al-Balah, which had largely been spared.

Israel brought its delegation home from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on Thursday after Hamas delivered a new response to a proposal for a truce and hostages deal. The Israeli prime minister's office thanked mediators for their efforts and said the negotiators were returning home for "further consultations".

After 21 months of devastating conflict with Israel, Gaza’s most vulnerable civilians are facing what aid groups say is impending famine.

Hamas said on Thursday that it had responded to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, as pressure mounted for a breakthrough to end almost two years of devastating conflict that has triggered a humanitarian crisis for civilians.