United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the new Israeli offensive in Shujayea has forced the displacement of “at least 60,000” residents.

“Humanitarian partners are reporting new displacement … Yesterday, the Israeli military ordered people living in 28 residential blocks in areas east of Gaza City to immediately evacuate … at least 60,000 people were displaced from this area, which spans over seven square kilometres [2.7 square miles]”, Dujarric said

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said its troops were continuing its intelligence-based operation in Rafah in southern Gaza and had “eliminated numerous terrorists in the area” over the past day.

In central Gaza, the army said it “eliminated numerous terrorists” on the ground, and the air force had struck “several anti-tank missile posts”.

Two projectiles were also identified crossing from Gaza into Israel’s Sderot – the Aerial Defense Array intercepted one, and the other fell into an open area.

Dujarric also said that a military operation in the area of al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, designated a “safe zone” by Israel, resulted in many casualties and the displacement of at least 5,000 people.

At least two people were killed in an Israeli bombing near al-Istiqama Mosque in the al-Jnaina neighbourhood east of Rafah

A number of others were injured when Israeli forces opened fire in the vicinity of al-Alam roundabout, west of Rafah.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health said at least 37,834 people have been killed and 86,858 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7.

The updated death toll included 40 Palestinians killed and 224 wounded in the past 24-hour reporting period, it said.