The bloodshed followed the launch of a new Israeli military operation aimed at putting more pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

The war in Gaza has reached one of its darkest periods. Israel has launched another major offensive against Hamas that includes ground operations.

Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in recent days as Israel has intensified air strikes, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed more than 250 people since Thursday morning, local health authorities said on Friday, one of the deadliest phases of bombardment since a truce collapsed in March, with a new ground offensive expected soon.

The Israeli military intensified operations across Gaza Thursday, killing more than 100 people, and pledged to continue bombings as US President Donald Trump suggested establishing a “freedom zone” in the enclave.

Israel says it has launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages