The health ministry in Gaza has accused Israeli forces of storming the last functioning hospital in the territory’s north in a raid it said killed two children, while the military claimed it was unaware of live fire or strikes in the area, AFP reports.

The Israeli military said its forces were operating around Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp in north Gaza, where it launched a major operation earlier this month.

The operation sparked fresh concerns about the offensive’s civilian toll, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk saying the conflict’s “darkest moment” was unfolding in northern Gaza.

“Two children have died in the intensive care unit after the hospital’s generators failed and the oxygen station was targeted,” the health ministry said in a statement.

Israeli forces “are searching the hospital and firing within different departments, increasing the panic and anxiety”, it added.