At least 36 Palestinians were killed, including many children, in an Israeli bombing that targeted makeshift tents sheltering displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis city, on the night between Saturday and Sunday. Many of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Al-Mawasi had been designated a “safe zone” by the Israeli occupying forces early in the conflict, yet regular attacks on the makeshift tents along the beach have continued unabated.

Heavy bombing in other parts of Gaza also persisted on Saturday night, resulting in at least 72 deaths since midnight, including those from the attack on Al-Mawasi.

The frequency of Israeli airstrikes has surged in the past week, claiming the lives of hundreds of Palestinians.

In addition, leaflets have been dropped, urging people to evacuate southward. Israeli media have reported the launch of a new offensive.

Al Jazeera