Escalating clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have led to some of the worst violence the area has seen in months. Human rights activists say seven Palestinians have been killed, including five civilians, while more than 50 others have been wounded. The group Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said four of the deaths occurred when the Israeli military fired an artillery shell on young people who were playing football. A number of Israelis have been wounded by Palestinian rockets and mortar. Tensions between the two sides escalated after a young Palestinian boy was shot dead last week during an exchange of fire with Israelis.