Qatar said on Wednesday that medicines and aid supplies entered the Gaza Strip under a deal mediated by the country.

Qatar's foreign ministry said 61 tons of aid were to be transported to the enclave.

Qatar announced on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to provide medicines to hostages held by the Islamic group in Gaza in exchange for more aid to Palestinian civilians in the enclave.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson said, "Qatar, along with its regional and international partners, continues mediation efforts at the political and humanitarian levels."

The move comes as the prolonged fighting is raising fears of famine and disease in Gaza.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Wednesday that the division operating in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza expanded its operations, killing more than 30 fighters.

Health authorities in Gaza said on the same day that Israeli attacks killed 163 people over the past 24 hours, with the death toll reaching 24,448.