An explosion ripped through a house in the southern Gaza Strip, killing at least three Palestinians, witnesses and medical workers said.

The source of the blast was unclear. An Israeli army spokeswoman said Israel was not involved.

Medics said two young children and a woman were killed and at least two others were wounded. Residents searched through the rubble of the house for other survivors.

Witnesses described a loud explosion in a village east of the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis near the border fence with Israel.Reuters