DHAKA: Six people were killed in the Gaza Strip when an Israeli missile exploded amid attempts to dismantle it.

The dead included two journalists, an Italian and a Palestinian, and a number of bomb disposal officers.

The incident happened in the town of Beit Lahiya, in the north of the Gaza Strip, reports the BBC.

It comes hours before a three-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and the Palestinians is due to expire.

Indirect talks aimed at finding a long-term solution to the Gaza conflict having been taking place in Cairo involving negotiators from the two sides.

Among those killed in Wednesday’s explosion was Simone Camilli, a video journalist working for several international agencies, including Associated Press.

Some 2,000 people have died since the fighting in Gaza began on 8 July.

Those killed include more than 1,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the UN.

Sixty-four Israeli soldiers have been killed in the violence and three civilians in Israel have also died.

BDST: 2024 HRS, AUG 13, 2014