Gaza: Israel 'hits security HQ and rocket sit'

Israel has carried out overnight air strikes against Gaza's security headquarters and police stations, in the heaviest bombardment since operations began on 8 July.

It also said its troops had carried out a brief raid against a rocket-launching site in the coastal territory.

Israel added that Palestinian militants fired about 90 rockets from the Gaza Strip into its territory on Saturday.

At least 159 Palestinians have died in the air strikes, Gaza officials say.

They are said to include 17 members of one family who died in an Israeli missile strike on Saturday evening.

Israel says it is targeting Hamas militants and facilities, including the homes of senior operatives. However, the United Nations has estimated that 77% of the people killed in Gaza have been civilians.

The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire and peace talks on Saturday. It is the first time since Israel's offensive began that they have issued a statement, with members previously divided on their response.

'Exchange of fire'

Early on Sunday, Israeli air strikes destroyed most of the security headquarters and police stations run by Hamas Islamist militants, the BBC's Rushdi abu Alouf in Gaza reports.

The homes adjacent to the security compound suffered extensive damage, as the headquarters are located in the densely populated neighbourhood of Tel al-Hawa in south Gaza, our correspondent adds.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops also raided a site used to fire long-range rockets at Israel.

"The mission was accomplished," the IDF wrote on its official Twitter account, adding: "During the mission, there was an exchange of fire. Four soldiers were lightly injured and all returned home safely."

It is believed to be the first time Israeli troops - thought to be naval commandos on this occasion - have entered Gaza since Israel launched Operation Protective Edge, which it says is aimed at stopping rocket attacks and destroying Hamas' capabilities