The Gaza Civil Defense Agency said at least 17 people were killed on Thursday by Israeli airstrikes, as the military intensified its bombardment of Gaza City.
Among the victims were six civilians who were waiting to receive humanitarian aid, said the agency's spokesman, Mahmoud Bassal.
"Israeli forces are intensifying attacks on the Zeitun area" in Gaza City, he said.
The Israeli military has not commented on these claims.
"For the fourth day in a row, the area has been hit by the army, causing casualties and injuries. Many people cannot leave the area due to the fighting," Bassal stressed.
A day earlier, the head of the Israeli army approved the new plan for operations in the Gaza Strip, aimed at freeing all hostages and defeating Hamas - the Palestinian group declared a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
The Israeli military has said it aims to take full control of Gaza City and the surrounding refugee camps. These are some of the most densely populated areas in the Palestinian territory, which has suffered extensive destruction since the war began more than 22 months ago.
The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others.
The Israeli offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza - figures the UN considers credible.
