A paramedic working for an Oxfam-funded organisation was killed today after an ambulance was hit by an Israeli-fired shell, the charity said.

The Palestinian, working for the Union of Health Work Committees, was killed in Gaza.

Another paramedic lost his foot and the ambulance driver was injured in the same incident.

The paramedic was trying to help evacuate an injured person in the Beit Lahiya area, when the shell struck the ambulance, Oxfam said.

The UN estimates over 100 civilians have been killed in Gaza over the past week although some other organisations believe the civilian death toll is significantly higher.

John Prideaux-Brune, Oxfam's Country Director for Israel and Palestine, said 'An immediate ceasefire is urgently needed to allow essential aid to reach those families who need it.'