The Israeli army has told Palestinians in much of Gaza City, including its coastline, to evacuate their homes in an indication of increased military assaults in the area, Al Jazeera reports.

A map published by army Arabic spokesman Avichai Adraee shows that much of the city’s coastline, the Al-Shati refugee camp, and the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa will be affected.

The area also includes the Al-Shifa Hospital, which had previously come under heavy siege by the Israeli military.

Israeli media report that the Israeli army’s radio had earlier indicated the military plans to increase its attacks on the northern part of the Gaza Strip as well in an attempt to prevent Hamas from reestablishing itself there.