Israel airstrikes last partially functioning hospital in Gaza

Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry said on Monday Israeli forces were bombarding the last partially functioning hospital in the territory's north, as Israel formally notified the UN it is cutting ties with the main aid agency for Palestinians.

Vowing to stop Hamas from regrouping in northern Gaza, Israel launched a major air and ground assault nearly a month ago, a year into its war against the fighters.

Rescuers and UN agencies say hundreds of people have been killed and the area has been left desperately short of essential supplies.

Gaza's health ministry said Israeli forces were "continuing to violently bombard and destroy Kamal Adwan Hospital".

Hospital director Hossam Abu Safieh said in a statement the situation was "catastrophic", with several staff injured.

People work to recover the bodies of Palestinians at the site of Israeli strikes in Beit Lahiya, Gaza. Reuters

"We do not understand the purpose behind this bombing that is targeting the hospital."

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said six child patients were injured in the strike on the hospital, which he described as "appalling".

Israel's military said it was checking the report.

Separately, it said troops "are continuing to operate against terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the northern and central Gaza Strip".

Agence France-Presse