Three killed in Gaza blast

A powerful explosion went off in a house in southern Gaza today, killing two women and a 4-year-old girl, Palestinian medics and witnesses said.

The cause of the blast in the town of Khan Younis was not immediately clear.

The blast tore down the facade of the house and badly damaged its interior. A neighbouring house was also partially damaged from the force of the blast.

The Israeli military said it was not carrying out any operations in the area at the time. The house is 300 yards away from a security fence with Israel, overlooking an Israeli military post.

Hamas police said they suspected explosives being handled by militants went off prematurely. Militants in Gaza often use homes to store explosives or produce them.

Two children were injured in the blast.