Over 60 Palestinians were killed Sunday in an Israeli shelling of a Gaza neighbourhood. Reports say witnesses spoke of bodies laying in the streets as thousands field to hospitals that are already overflowing, in the aftermath of the attack. Witnesses have described it as some of the fiercest fighting they have seen since the Arab-Israeli War of 1967.

Israeli ground forces were supported by air and artillery. Israeli military officials say the operation aimed to disrupt Hamas operations in the area, where the militants have allegedly built tunnels and launched rockets in recent days.

Israeli officials say they told the residents of the area to evacuate two days ago.

Shifa hospital’s director, Naser Tattar, said 17 children, 14 women and 4 elderly people were among the 62 dead.

The death toll of this conflict now totals over 400, with Palestinian officials recently reporting it at 403.

Israel military officials said Hamas responded with heavy weapon fire. It has been some of the bloodiest fighting since the assault non Gaza began 13 days ago.

Earlier today there was an agreement for a 2 hour ceasefire, called for by the International Red Cross, but this broke soon after commencing with each side blaming the other.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of a massacre and declared three days of mourning.