Gaza death toll continues to rise, 44 killed since dawn

At least 44 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip since dawn today, Al Jazeera has reported, quoting medical sources. 

Four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a civilian vehicle west of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital has said. 

At least 18 Palestinians have been killed in air strikes on residential apartments and tents housing displaced people in Gaza City. Seven of those killed were children. 

Since the war started, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in the besieged enclave. The war has been labelled a genocide by world leaders, historians, and human rights organisations. 

Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin has said it has taken over 40 percent of Gaza City and that its military operation is expected to escalate. 

Gaza City residents are being pushed westward, as Israel has intensified bombing in the enclave.