Israel says its defense forces have launched a ground offensive in the southern part of Gaza. That's where many residents were told to evacuate to from the northern part of the enclave.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said, "Israeli forces have fought Hamas thoroughly in the north, and are starting to do the same in the south as well."

The Israeli forces claim they have warned people via social media to evacuate. A map posted Monday morning shows the Gaza Strip divided in small sections. Residents of one district near the center of Khan Younis have been urged to move further south to Rafa.

NHK's correspondent in the Gaza Strip says internet access is limited due to power cuts, which limits the number of people who can read social media.

A Hamas senior official said, "The Israeli military's call for travel to the south is a plan to further massacre Palestinians."

Health authorities in Gaza say the total number of fatalities since the start of the fighting has surpassed 15,500.

Khan Younis, where Israeli forces are stepping up their new offensive, is a major city in southern Gaza. They also claim some of the hostages had been held in the city. In addition, Khan Younis is the hometown of Yahya al-Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military regards him as the mastermind of the October 7 surprise attack.

A UN agency estimates 280,000 Palestinians from the north are taking shelter in the city. Officials are concerned the fighting could see civilian casualties rise even further.