Israeli forces have conducted a strike on an area in the Gaza Strip the country designated as an evacuation zone. Local authorities in Gaza say at least 40 people were killed in the raid.

The Israeli military on Tuesday said the airstrike targeted Hamas fighters operating inside the "humanitarian area" in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. They say senior members who were directly involved in the October 7 attack inside Israel last year were among those killed.

The military says that prior to the attack numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions.

The authorities of the Palestinian enclave say Israel bombed tents for the displaced, killing at least 40 people and injuring 60 others.

They condemned Israeli forces for committing a "horrific massacre."

Images released by Reuters news agency show a large crater in the ground.

Footage taken at a hospital in Khan Younis by NHK Gaza office staff shows injured people being carried in and others grieving for dead children.

In the more than 11 months since the latest round of fighting in Gaza started, the number of casualties has been rising, with no certain prospect for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas.