The airstrikes killed at least 46 children, Gaza health and rescue officials said, and came amid a worsening dispute over the return of deceased hostages.

Hamas denied responsibility on Tuesday for an attack on Israeli forces in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that prompted Israel to launch attacks in Gaza.

Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that Israel “should hit back” after one of its soldiers was killed, but that “nothing is going to jeopardise” the ceasefire.