Gaza boy 'dies of airstrike wounds'

A Palestinian health official said today that a Gaza boy has become the 26th victim of the latest outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza militants.

Eight-year-old Barka al-Mughrabi died today in unclear circumstances.

Palestinian health official Adham Abu Salmia said the youngster was injured in an Israeli airstrike on Monday which also killed a teenager instantly.

An Associated Press reporter saw shrapnel wounds over the teenager’s body, but Israel said it did not carry out a strike in that area at that time.

Israel and Gaza militants agreed to a truce yesterday after four days of fighting, though there have been sporadic violations.

Rocket and mortar fire from Gaza has persisted, and, early today, Israel carried out a retaliatory airstrike.