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Israel denies strike on camp near Rafah that Gaza officials say killed 21 people

Twenty one dead after shells hit tent camp, say Gaza officialsIsrael says 'contrary to...reports', it did not strike campIsraeli tanks advance to Rafah's centre for the first timeUS reiterates its opposition to major offensive in RafahThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip

A woman sits with a child amid the carnage in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Nidal al-Mughrabi and Karen Lema

Israel's military denied striking a tent camp west of Rafah on Tuesday after Gaza health authorities said Israeli tank shelling had killed at least 21 people there, in an area Israel has designated a civilian evacuation zone.

Earlier, defying an appeal from the International Court of Justice, Israeli tanks advanced to the heart of Rafah for the first time after a night of heavy bombardment, while Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state, a move that further deepened Israel's international isolation.