At least 91 people were killed in Gaza on Saturday, including 76 in Gaza City, according to hospital sources cited by Al Jazeera.
The deadly strikes come one day before ten countries—including Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Canada—are expected to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state.
The announcement is scheduled ahead of the high-level week at the United Nations in New York, where additional nations may follow suit. Portugal confirmed Saturday that it will recognize Palestine on Sunday.
Israel’s news outlet Ynet reported intense bombing and described “a ring of fire” across several areas of Gaza City. Hundreds of thousands of residents are attempting to flee the escalating violence.
According to the Israeli military, approximately 480,000 people have evacuated the city following warnings of a ground offensive.
Hamas disputes that figure, claiming fewer than 300,000 have left and that around 900,000 remain—including Israeli hostages.