Enas Khammash, 23, and her 18-month daughter Bayan were killed in an airstrike in Jafarawi in central Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled strip said, while her husband was injured. The ministry said Enas was also pregnant.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

The deaths brought the number of Palestinians killed in a night of violence to three, again raising fears of a new war between the foes.

At least one Israeli was injured as Hamas and other groups fired dozens of rockets at the Jewish state late Wednesday.

Israeli strikes subsequently hit a series of targets, including killing a Hamas militant.

The United Nations late Wednesday called on the sides to step "back from the brink".

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.