Multiple Israeli airstrikes and shelling killed dozens across the Gaza Strip overnight into Thursday.

Gaza's civil defense agency, Palestinian medics and the WAFA news agency reported different death tolls ranging from 40 to 60 people. 

According to a Gaza civil agency spokesperson, at least 13 people were "recovered from the rubble" after a strike in Khan Younis, a city located in southern Gaza, where the latest strikes were concentrated. 

It was the second day of heavy bombing in Gaza, with The Associated Press reporting airstrikes throughout Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 60 people, including 22 children.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes.

No ceasefire renewal in sight

The expanded strikes come as the Israeli government approved plans to expand its military operation in Gaza. 

Despite polls showing the majority of the Israeli public would like its government to reach a hostage deal which would end the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to push ahead with further escalating Israel's war to destroy the Hamas militant group, which Israel, the United States, the European Union and other countries designate as a terrorist organization.

In comments released Tuesday by Netanyahu's office, the prime minister said Israeli forces were days away from entering Gaza "with great strength to complete the mission ... It means destroying Hamas."

Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which came in retaliation for the October 2023 terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas, has killed nearly 53,000 people, mostly civilians, according to figures by the Hamas-run health ministry in the strip, which the United Nations considers reliable.

Since Israel broke a ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, almost 3,000 people have been killed.

Israel has also prevented any international aid from entering Gaza since mid-March. International aid agencies have warned of mass starvation in Gaza if more food aid is not allowed. 

The Gaza health ministry's numbers do not differentiate between militants and civilians.

The Israeli offensive in the enclave has resulted in more than 90% of the Gaza population being displaced, some more than once.

Hamas and other militants kidnapped more than 250 people during the October terror attack on southern Israel, and 58 of them are still being held in Gaza. The Israeli army believes 23 are still alive.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn