The health ministry in Gaza said on Monday that an Israeli operation in the main southern city of Khan Yunis killed 70 people and wounded more than 200, after Israel warned its forces would “forcefully operate” in the area, AFP reports.

Thousands of Palestinians fled southern areas of the territory following the Israeli army’s temporary evacuation order for parts of Khan Yunis, including the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.

Israel’s military said it would act to curb rocket fire in the area, which saw heavy fighting earlier this year.

The latest incident comes days after the health ministry said 92 people were killed in a strike on Al-Mawasi, when Israel said it was targeting a Hamas commander.

Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least 12 people were killed on Monday in Gaza City, with four others killed in the Jabalia refugee camp.