In the midst of escalating violence, the Israeli military has called for all Palestinian civilians to evacuate Gaza City and head south. The intensified military offensive has already claimed the lives of dozens of people within the past 48 hours.

In an effort to ensure the safety of civilians, leaflets were dropped over Gaza City, urging residents to take two designated "safe routes" leading southward towards the central town of Deir al-Balah. This evacuation order follows a series of deadly strikes that have occurred in various parts of Gaza.

Tragically, on Tuesday, an airstrike targeted the entrance of a school that was being used as a shelter in southern Gaza. This attack resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including eight children. Disturbing footage aired by Al Jazeera captured the horrifying moment when the strike occurred, prompting shouts of distress from those present.

The Israeli military has stated that it is reviewing reports of civilian casualties caused by the attack. According to witnesses who spoke to the BBC, the targeted area was densely populated at the time of the incident. Shockingly, this attack on a school shelter marks the fourth such incident in just four days, with Israel claiming that each site was being used as a base by Hamas fighters, police officers, or politicians.

Further Israeli strikes in the early hours of Wednesday claimed the lives of at least 20 Palestinians, with 12 deaths in the Nuseirat refugee camp and eight deaths in a home in Deir al-Balah. It is worth noting that these areas fall within the "humanitarian safe zone," where Israel had previously instructed Palestinians to seek refuge.

During a visit to central Gaza, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Israel's military chief, emphasized that forces were operating in multiple parts of the territory with the mission to apply pressure and secure the release of hostages.

In response to the ongoing barrage of shelling and airstrikes, thousands of Palestinians have attempted to flee Gaza City, seeking safety. However, many residents have expressed a lack of trust in the safe corridors set by Israel and fear leaving behind their belongings or being unable to return.

This marks the first time that all residents of Gaza City have been instructed to evacuate since the initial days of the conflict. Previous Israeli assaults have already devastated large parts of the city and its surrounding urban areas.

The recent days have witnessed some of the fiercest airstrikes since the outbreak of the war, with Hamas describing the fighting as "the most intense in months." The intensified offensive may be a deliberate strategy to increase pressure on Hamas during ongoing ceasefire talks. International mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are actively engaged in trying to push through a proposed ceasefire deal.

Nevertheless, Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of intentionally undermining the truce negotiations. Netanyahu, in a meeting with a US envoy, expressed his commitment to securing a Gaza ceasefire deal as long as Israel's red lines were respected.

Pressure is mounting on Israel as a ceasefire in Gaza could potentially pave the way for de-escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, announced at a memorial event that his group would cease hostilities against Israel once a ceasefire in Gaza was achieved.