The Israeli military has ordered civilians to temporarily evacuate from part of its designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza ahead of what it called a “forceful operation” against Palestinian fighters who have apparently regrouped there.

The military said there had been “significant terrorist activity and rocket fire” from eastern neighbourhoods of the city of Khan Younis and told residents to head to the “adjusted” al-Mawasi humanitarian area.

The announcement was followed by intense Israeli strikes near Khan Younis, and video showed people running in panic with only a few bags, reports the BBC.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said 49 people had been killed and 186 injured in and around the city.

The casualties were brought to Nasser hospital, in the west of Khan Younis, which the ministry said needed donations of blood to help treat them.