The Knesset has approved Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency unity government, which includes several centrist opposition lawmakers.

Former defence minister Benny Gantz and members of his small centrist party will join the prime minister’s coalition.

It underlines the suspension of normal political rules, with Mr Gantz joining one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history, which he has bitterly opposed.

Until now, Israel’s political sphere has been split over Mr Netanyahu’s push to overhaul the judiciary system.

The leader of the largest opposition party in parliament, former prime minister Yair Lapid, refused to join the unity government, but said he would not oppose it during the security crisis.

More than 1,500 Palestinians killed

The number of Palestinians killed has risen to 1,537, according to Gaza’s health ministry. 

This is 120 more deaths since their last statement earlier today.

Among the dead are 500 children and 276 women, the health ministry said.

Some 25 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a single house in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, Hamas media has reported.

Another 6,612 Palestinians have been wounded, the health ministry said.