New York  - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the deaths of Palestinians, including a mother and four of her children, by the Israeli defence forces.

"The secretary general calls upon Israel to exercise maximum care and restraint, and reminds the IDF of its responsibilities to protect civilians under international humanitarian law during its military operations," UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe said.

She said Ban also condemned the "ongoing attacks and rockets fired today against Israeli targets by Hamas."

"He calls on Hamas and other militant groups to cease such acts of terrorism," Okabe said. "He also reminds them that civilian areas within Gaza should not be used as a base from which to launch its actions."

Israeli troops entered northern the Gaza town of Beit Hanoun Monday and engaged in combat with Palestinian militants, which resulted in the deaths of at least seven Palestinians, including five members of one family. (dpa)