CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli planes and tanks struck heavily in north and south Gaza on Tuesday, destroying clusters of homes, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confidant was in Washington, expected to discuss a possible ceasefire.

More than 40 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a cafe in Gaza, according to hospital officials. The cafe, located near the port in Gaza City, is popular with journalists and students. Israel’s military tells CNN it struck several Hamas operatives in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday and that the incident is under review.

More than 500 Palestinians have died seeking help from chaotic and controversial aid distribution programme over past month