Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip continued on Thursday as a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon between Israel and the Shia Muslim group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said on Thursday it continued ground operations in northern Gaza. The military was stepping up its attacks on the Palestinian group Hamas.

Local Palestinian media reported that the Israeli bombing in central and southern parts of the strip killed 25 people.

Gaza's health authority said the death toll had risen to 44,330 since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began last October.

Meanwhile, National Security Minister of Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Thursday that Israelis have "a historic opportunity" to "reoccupy the Gaza Strip," and that is "what will bring peace to the south."

Israel has not revealed its post-conflict planning for Gaza. The international community has expressed concern over statements from Israel's far-right and right-wing parties that the country should build Israeli settlements in the strip.

In Lebanon, the ceasefire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday. But Israel announced on Thursday it conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon where it said activities of Hezbollah fighters were detected.

The Israeli military said its forces will remain there to act against any violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The Lebanese military responded by arguing that Israel has violated the agreement multiple times.