Israel has launched an air strike against the Gaza home of a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, witnesses and officials have said.

At least six people were reportedly killed in the attack, said to be on the home of Hamas lawmaker Khalil al-Hayya, who was not thought to be at home.

Hours earlier Israel's cabinet backed plans to "intensify" Gaza operations.

Recent Israeli air strikes have killed more than 23 people in response to rocket attacks from inside Gaza.

Palestinian rocket attacks have continued despite Israel's return to a policy of air strikes.

A BBC correspondent in the southern Israeli town of Sderot said many streets were deserted on Sunday, as hundreds of people had left their homes to avoid the rockets.

'People are suffering'

The attack on Mr al-Hayya's home was thought to have injured some of his family members.

Shortly after the air strike, Mr al-Hayya visited Gaza City's Shifa hospital, where those wounded were being treated, the Associated Press reported.

"We will go ahead despite the challenges, despite the martyrs, despite the pain that I am suffering and my people are suffering," he told reporters.

The Israeli military confirmed there had been an air strike in northern Gaza, but made no further comment.

Photo caption

Hamas office destroyed in Gaza by an Israeli air strike/file photo