OCCUPIED GAZA STRIP - Israel struck Gaza on Sunday and troops battled militants in several areas of the besieged territory, where the Health Ministry said the death toll in the war exceeded 35,000 people.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and an immediate surge in humanitarian aid" into the besieged enclave, more than seven months into the war.

"But a ceasefire will only be the start," Mr Guterres told a donor conference in Kuwait, where countries pledged more than $2 billion in aid for Gaza.

Israel said its jets had hit more than 150 targets in the past day.

Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 63 people were killed over the previous 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll from Israel's bombardment and offensive in Gaza to at least 35,034 people, mostly women and children.