Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would "take control" of the whole of the Gaza Strip, as the military pressed a newly intensified campaign in the war-ravaged territory.
After Israel announced it would let a "basic amount" of food into the enclave, Netanyahu said it was necessary to prevent a famine for "diplomatic reasons", saying he had come under pressure from his allies to end the blockade.
Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli attacks on Monday killed at least 52 people, after the military announced it had begun "extensive ground operations".
The army ordered people to evacuate Khan Younis and nearby areas "immediately" ahead of an "unprecedented attack".
"From this moment, Khan Yunis will be considered a dangerous combat zone."