Israel's intensified military strikes on the Gaza Strip have so far resulted in 17,700 deaths, according to the Palestinian health authority.

Israel Defense Forces pounded various locations, including the southern city of Khan Younis from land, sea and air. The military says that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, is likely hiding in the area.

As the civilian death toll continues to rise, the IDF have posted images on social media. They claim that the images show attacks by Hamas coming from a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA.

They also posted a video that they say shows a rifle being found in a stuffed animal in the school.

The Israeli military says that Hamas fighters are using children's toys to conceal weapons, deliberately putting children in Gaza at risk.

An IDF spokesperson issued an order in Arabic on Saturday telling residents of some areas in Khan Younis to evacuate.

The Reuters news agency reported that the areas include parts of the city center that had not previously been subject to such orders.