Israeli forces have launched a ground and air assault on the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, prompting fresh waves of displacement among civilians already uprooted by the ongoing conflict.

The operation began early on Monday, just hours after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of six residential blocks in the south-western part of the city.

The area is currently packed with thousands of displaced people from Rafah and Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.

Local journalists told the BBC that Israeli tanks and military vehicles pushed into the city from the Kisufim checkpoint under heavy artillery and air cover.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvg9ky87dpdt?post=asset%3A7246e618-8dc9-4f4f-8c85-b9a3e2958c19#post

The UN's humanitarian office, Ocha, said the displacement order issued by the Israeli military on Sunday - before today's assault began - was "yet another devastating blow" to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

It said there were dozens of important resources such as humanitarian warehouses, medical clinics and critical water infrastructure in Deir al-Balah.

"Any damage to this infrastructure will have life-threatening consequences," it warned.

The new order "cuts through Deir al-Balah... further splintering the Strip," Ocha said, adding that it will limit the ability of its humanitarian teams to move safely and effectively in Gaza.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvg9ky87dpdt?post=asset%3Ae144ef81-cf62-43f6-a829-74eb88b24e25#post