New ground and air offensive comes after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed in one of the deadliest incidents in months.

Israel launched an air and ground offensive into the only Gaza city that had not seen major military operations since the war began.

Context: Deir al-Balah had been an informal refuge for Palestinians escaping other parts of Gaza, and huge tent camps have sprung up in the city. The city also hosts warehouses for the U.N. as well as guesthouses for U.N. staff.

The Israeli military on Sunday began a limited pause in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza, as concerns over surging hunger in the territory mount.