THE Israeli military ordered the evacuation of parts of Gaza City today as it plans yet another offensive. 

The latest orders apply to Zeitoun, Tel al-Hawa and other neighbourhoods where Israeli forces have carried out previous operations during the 17-month war. 

The military said it would soon respond to rocket fire from the area and ordered residents to move south.

Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas last week when it launched a brutal wave of strikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians.

It has vowed to increase military pressure until Hamas returns the remaining 59 hostages it holds – 24 of whom are believed to be alive. 

Israel has also demanded that Hamas disarm and send its leaders into exile.

Hamas has said it will not release the remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It says the door to negotiations with Israel is still open.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza and its renewed onslaught has deepened an already massive humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinians.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said Israel’s ongoing aid blockade into Gaza is creating a critical shortage of maternal health supplies. 

These include drugs much needed for pregnancy and to prevent deaths and complications during childbirth.

Israel has cut off the entry of all food and other goods into Gaza since the beginning of the month – and last week resumed bombardment as it tries to press Hamas to accept its demands to extend the January ceasefire.

UNFPA said its supplies are languishing at the border, including more than 50 ultrasounds to monitor foetal health, nine incubators and 350 midwifery kits to help during deliveries.

The group said pregnant women and newborns in Gaza are facing higher than normal rates of complications driven by widespread malnutrition, which is being compounded by the aid blockade. 

Since the blockade around 520 babies – one in five – have required advanced medical care that is increasingly scarce, it said.

Meanwhile several hundred Palestinians chanted against Hamas during an anti-war protest in the Gaza Strip. 

Footage showed hundreds of people taking part in an anti-war protest in the heavily destroyed northern town of Beit Lahiya on Tuesday. 

People held signs saying “Stop the war,” “We refuse to die,” and “The blood of our children is not cheap.”

Other videos appeared to show Hamas supporters dispersing the crowds.