At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in the northern and central Gaza Strip.

Hamas medical and civil defense officials confirmed the attack. 

According to international media, some of the attacks on Saturday included residential areas. Local sources said a senior Hamas commander was among those killed, the BBC reported. 

The Israeli military said the areas targeted in Gaza were linked to Saturday's incident. The military said an armed man crossed the Yellow Line into an area under Israeli control and opened fire on soldiers. 

Hamas, however, has denied the allegations. Both sides have accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement reached nearly six weeks ago. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 310 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire came into effect.