US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken who is on a trip to the Middle East in order to ensure peace after the Israeli-Hamas conflict said that a lot of "hard work" was required to restore "hope, respect and some trust" after the clash in Gaza.

Have to ensure Hamas does not benefit from reconstruction assistance in Gaza: Blinken

Amid behind the scenes peace moves, Israel on Thursday bombed parts of Gaza as Hamas fired rockets after a brief pause earlier. Watch: Israel conducted fresh airstrikes with the death toll in Palestinian territory climbing to 230 which included women and children, at least 1,700 people have been injured in the attacks.

Israel strikes Gaza again, Hamas fires rockets amid diplomatic push

As Hamas and Israel continued to fire missiles at each other's territories, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that, "we continue striking Hamas while defending our citizens.

We will continue striking Hamas while defending our citizens, says PM Netanyahu