Health Ministry: At least 60 killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in the last 24 hours

At least 60 people have been killed by Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, the Palestinian enclave's Health Ministry announced on Friday.

Israel is continuing its military offensive and has so far allowed minimal aid to enter Palestinian territory.

Ten people were killed in the southern city of Khan Yunis, four in the central city of Deir al-Balah and nine in the Jabalia refugee camp in the north, according to Nasser, Al-Aqsa and Al-Ahli hospitals, where the bodies were brought.

Israel is facing increased international criticism for the offensive and pressure to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, due to the severe hunger crisis.

Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months, and experts warn that many of its 2 million residents are at great risk of extreme hunger.

Even the United States, Israel's biggest supporter, has expressed concerns about the hunger crisis.

The attacks, which continued into Friday morning, came a day after Israeli tanks and drones attacked a hospital in northern Gaza, causing fires and extensive damage, Palestinian officials said on Thursday.

Israel has announced that it will continue its attacks until Hamas – a group designated a terrorist by the US and EU – releases all 58 remaining Israeli hostages and disarms.

Less than half of the hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would be open to a temporary ceasefire to allow the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza.

But he said that if they are not returned, Israel will continue its military campaign to take full control of Gaza.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel says 59 hostages remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead.

Since then, Israel's war has killed more than 53,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. (A2 Televizion)