Israeli forces have been conducting fierce military operations across the Gaza Strip, resulting in a large number of fatalities.



They say the aim of the operation from the air and on the ground is to destroy strongholds of Hamas in northern and southern Gaza.



Medical emergency authorities in Gaza said there was an intensive attack in the northern part of the territory through Friday morning. They said at least 50 people were killed and many others remain trapped in the debris of destroyed houses.



Palestinian media outlets said many parts of Gaza came under aggressive Israeli airstrikes on Thursday and 136 people were killed.



Israeli media outlets said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to expand military operations in Gaza if ceasefire talks with Hamas do not go well before US President Donald Trump wraps up his Middle East trip.



Trump is scheduled to conclude his journey on Friday. There has been no major progress so far in the ceasefire negotiations. Concern is growing about a possible increase in the number of casualties as Israeli attacks grow in intensity.