GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip ? An Israeli airstrike targeted the home of an Hamas activist in northern Gaza early today and killed seven people, officials and residents said, while Israel expanded a two-week offensive in the region with an incursion further south.

Palestinians said a high-level meeting of Hamas commanders was in progress at the residence in Gaza City just before the airstrike. Nervous Hamas officials carefully inspected the bodies but refused to comment.

The Israeli military said it attacked the home because it was a “meeting place for terrorists.” It also confirmed Israeli forces were operating in southern Gaza as part of an effort to win the release of a captured soldier. With tanks and troops on the move further south, a huge explosion destroyed the house of Hamas activist Dr. Nabil al-Salmiah, killing seven people, including two children, and wounding at least 24, hospital officials and residents said. There was no immediate word if al-Salmiah was among the casualties.

They said the house was hit by a missile fired from an Israeli warplane. The Israeli military said it attacked the house because it was a “meeting place for terrorists” who were planning attacks and rocket launching.

Palestinian rescue teams dodged broken water pipes and electricity wires searching the rubble with bulldozers, shovels and their hands and to get to injured people screaming for help.