Israel's offensive against Hamas Islamist militants in Gaza strip has been sustained on Monday, but with no escalation of attacks recorded.

Beit Lahiya, one of the main targets of Israel in the northern part of Gaza, was largely quiet early Monday, Reuters reported.

This was despite the warning issued by Israeli government to intensify its air strikes in the city and called on all its residents to seek shelter in safer areas.

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Israel said it shot down a drone from Gaza on Monday, the first reported deployment of an un-manned aircraft by the militants.

On Sunday, the United Nations recorded at least 17, 000 people from Beit Lahiya have sought refuge in its facilities in order to avoid the increasing violence that has resulted in the death of over 170 people in Palestine, mostly civilians.

In an interview with U.S. broadcaster CBS, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified his country's military actions and blamed Hamas militants for the death of civilians.

"This is the kind of reality we're living in. And we'll do whatever is necessary to put an end to it," Netanyahu said, referring to the Hamas attacks.

Meanwhile, no fatalities were recorded on the part of Israel and this was attributed to the country's Iron Dome interceptors. There were over 900 rockets have been fired by Hamas militants in Israel.

Several countries, including the United States, France and Germany, have called on the two countries to declare a ceasefire. Even the UN Security Council has called for a truce, with all of its 15 members approved a statement calling for de-escalation of violence and "restoration of calm."

However, the call for peace appeared to be failing with both sides determined to continue with their offensives.

On Sunday, Israeli air strikes bombarded security headquarters and police stations in Gaza run by Hamas Islamist militants, with reported ground invasion in the border.

The homes adjacent to the security compound has also suffered "extensive damage," as police headquarters are located in the densely populated neighborhood of Tel al-Hawa in south Gaza, BBC reported.

TagsPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, Israel, Israel versus Hamas