Jul 04, Kathmandu - Rescue workers said at least 69 people were killed in Israeli shelling in Gaza on Thursday, as Israel intensified its bombardment of Palestinian territory.

According to Hamas' Civil Defense Agency, 15 people were killed in an airstrike near a shelter for displaced families in Gaza. Most of them were women and children.

The Israeli military said it targeted a “major” Hamas operative there.

The Civil Security Department has also informed that 38 people have died. They have died standing in queues for relief or while seeking help.

The Israeli military has called reports of large-scale casualties “false.”

The incident comes as pressure is mounting on both Israel and Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire and a deal to release hostages.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to terms needed to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. However, there are still some obstacles that could prevent the deal from happening.

Hamas said it was studying the proposals but still wanted an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The Israeli military (IDF) said on Thursday that its aircraft had struck about 150 “terrorist targets” in Gaza in the past 24 hours, including fighter jets, tunnels and weapons.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said 118 people had been killed in the same period.