ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

The chairman of the African Union Commission on Sunday lashed out at Israel's continued airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that have killed dozens of civilians, including children.

"The targeting of civilians and the continued illegal occupation by Israeli security forces of the occupied territories, are in stark violation of international law, and complicate the search for a just and lasting solution," Moussa Faki Mahamat said, according to a statement from the commission.

"The chairperson reaffirms the unwavering support of the African Union with the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital," added the press release.

In February, during the African Union summit of heads of state and governments, African leaders reversed an earlier decision by the bloc's secretariat to grant Israel observer status in the Pan-African body.

Mahamat also called for a renewed and genuine international effort for a lasting solution in which Israel and Palestine could co-exist as separate sovereign nations.

The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Sunday rose to 41, including 15 children and four women, according the Palestinian Health Ministry.