Israel is targeting any gathering of civilians: Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson

Israeli forces are shelling any gathering of civilians, Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Al Jazeera, adding that the army is "putting pressure" on residents of Gaza City to flee south through armed assaults. 

He added that explosive robots are being used daily to destroy buildings in Gaza City, alongside other forms of attack such as aerial strikes.

Despite the bombardment and displacement orders, Basal said he was surprised that some families are returning to the city and to the north of the besieged enclave - mainly as a result of not being able to secure shelter or necessities in the south.