More than 123,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the conflict between Palestinian militant group and Israel.

The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA on Monday said, “Over 123,538 people, have been internally displaced in Gaza, mostly due to fear, protection concerns and the destruction of their homes.”

Over 73,000 are sheltering in schools, OCHA said, some of which have been designated emergency shelters.

Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on Gaza since Saturday, when Hamas militants launched massive surprise attacks in Israel and fired thousands of rockets at the country.

Spokesman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Adnan Abu Hasna said the numbers are expected to rise further.

“There’s electricity in these schools, we provide them with a meal, clean water, psychological support and medical treatment,” he told AFP.

2.3 million Palestinian live in Gaza under a crippling Israeli blockade that was put in place after Hamas seized power in 2007.