At least 23 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip today. Palestinian health officials said nearly 700 people have been killed since the Israeli military resumed its campaign against the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza a week ago, leading to the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. The fresh strikes come as the Israeli military expanded evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents across the enclave.

The Israeli army asked residents in all northern border towns to evacuate, saying Palestinian rockets had been fired at Israel from the area. The affected towns include Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and Shejaia in Gaza City. Orders were also issued for areas in Khan Younis and Rafah in the south. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the renewed offensive aimed to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 hostages it is holding in Gaza. About 24 of them are believed to be still alive. On the other hand, the armed group Hamas accused Israel of abandoning the 19th of January ceasefire deal.