The Israeli military has killed at least 15 Palestinians over the past few hours in Khan Younis following a series of deadly attacks targeting makeshift tents in the al-Mawasi coastal area, which was classified as a humanitarian zone, reports Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum from Deir al-Balah, Gaza.

Earlier this morning, Israeli fighter jets and helicopters hovered at low altitudes, unleashing sonic booms and firing rockets at residential areas in the city.

According to Azzoum, it is believed that Palestinian armed factions managed to ambush an Israeli manoeuvring force operating in Khan Younis, which may explain the intense fire cover seen since the early hours of this morning.

“We woke up to the sound of explosions. Buildings were shaking due to the intensity of bombardment,” Azzoum said.