An Egyptian-mediated truce between Israel and Hamas began on Friday and US President Joe Biden pledged to salve the devastated Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid after the worst fighting in years.

Palestinians, many of whom had spent 11 days huddled in fear of Israeli shelling, poured into Gaza's streets.

Gaza health officials said 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, had been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments.

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.