Israel's relentless bombardment and ground invasion have killed at least 40,005 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the  health ministry.

The death toll includes 40 Palestinians killed in the previous 24 hours, the ministry said.

An analysis published by The Lancet suggests the actual Palestinian death toll in Gaza could exceed 186,000 people.

The 10-month assault has also wounded more than 92,400 Palestinians, while an Israeli siege has pushed more than half a million people to the brink of starvation.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.