172 Palestinians killed so far as Israeli strikes continue in Gaza

GAZA CITY: At least 172 Palestinians have been killed and 1,230 injured so far in the Gaza strip in Israeli air and missile strikes which continued for seventh consecutive day on Monday.

Despite international calls, Israel has shown no signs of ending airstrikes which it began on July 8 in Gaza in an attempt to halt cross-border rocket fire attacks by Hamas.

Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing their homes in northern parts of Gaza and seeking safety in UN shelters after Israeli warning of plans to bomb the area.

A UN spokesman said that over 17,000 people have taken shelter in its facilities.