Israeli army warns of ‘unprecedented’ assault on the southern city as dozens killed in strikes across blockaded enclave.

The bloodshed followed the launch of a new Israeli military operation aimed at putting more pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel launched dozens of airstrikes across northern and southern Gaza on Friday, killing more than 93 people and wounding hundreds — attacks that Israeli officials described as a prelude to a larger military campaign in the territory aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages.

Israel launched intense air and ground campaigns that health officials say killed hundreds over the last few days and shuttered the last functioning hospital in the enclave’s north. The Israeli military’s ground operation in northern and southern Gaza comes as international mediators push for progress in ceasefire talks.