Gaza officials have said Israel launched air strikes on or near at least three hospitals on Friday, further stressing the Palestinian enclave’s precarious health system as it struggles to cope with thousands of people wounded or displaced in Israel’s offensive on Gaza.

“The Israeli occupation launched simultaneous strikes on a number of hospitals during the past hours”, Reuters quoted Gaza Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra telling Al Jazeera television.

The medical facilities included Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al Shifa, where Israel claimed Hamas has hidden command centres and tunnels — allegations Hamas denies.

Qidra said Israel targeted the Gaza City medical complex’s courtyard and there were casualties, but he did not provide details. Israel’s military did not immediately comment on Qidra’s statement, which Reuters could not independently verify.