The Israeli military has rejected Gaza authorities' report that an Israeli airstrike on the northern part of the Gaza Strip killed at least 73 people. It says that number is "exaggerated."

Gaza officials said on Saturday that Israeli forces bombed residential areas in Beit Lahiya. They claimed that the casualties included many women and children.

Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera footage shows people combing through the rubble to find survivors, and others carrying the wounded on stretchers.

The Israeli military stressed that its troops are precisely targeting Hamas bases and are "doing everything possible to avoid causing harm to civilians."

The Israeli military continues its offensives in the enclave even after killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday.

Its forces are dropping leaflets over Gaza to urge Hamas fighters to surrender and release Israeli hostages. In the north, they are carrying out fierce airstrikes with their ground troops encircling areas.

Health officials in Gaza said on Saturday that 42,519 people had died since the conflict began last October.