A WAVE of attacks blamed on Islamic State (Isis) swept Palestine and north Africa over the weekend.

At least four explosions rocked Gaza City early yesterday, targeting cars belonging to leders of governing Hamas and other groups.

No group claimed responsibility but witnesses said a freshly painted Isis flag was seen at the site of the explosions.

In the neighbouring Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, seven soldiers were killed in a series of Isis attacks on Saturday.

Military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammed Samir said armed forces killed 59 militants during the battles, which included air force sorties.

The Algerian Defence Ministry said yesterday that nine solders had been killed in an al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb ambush on Saturday.

It contradicted earlier police reports that 11 troops had died in the battle in Ain Defla province and jihadist claims to have killed 14 soldiers.