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Seven killed in Gaza explosion after family dispute

Family member deliberately ignites gas canister that explodes, killing seven and injuring 30
At least seven Palestinians die in explosion in Gaza City on Thursday (AFP)

At least seven Palestinians died in an explosion in Gaza City on Thursday, in what officials said was an intentional act after a family quarrel.

"Seven people including children died and around 30 others were injured in an explosion at a home" in Gaza City, a spokesman for the health ministry said.

A police statement said a family member deliberately set a gas canister on fire during a quarrel, leading to the explosion.

It said police were investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion caused serious damage to the two-storey building.

According to the Israeli outlet i24 News, the house’s dilapidated structure amplified the impact of the explosion and contributed to the large number of casualties.

An AFP correspondent said police forces of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the strip, closed off the nearby area to journalists after the explosion.

Gaza, home to two million people, is one of the world's most crowded areas.

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