Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 20 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities, as the Israeli military increased its bombardments of the enclave and issued evacuation orders for residents in combat zones.

The renewed violence followed a day of significant bloodshed on Tuesday, which saw over 400 fatalities reported by Palestinian health officials amid the ongoing conflict.

The United Nations reported that a foreign staff member was killed and five others were injured due to an Israeli airstrike that struck a UN compound in central Gaza City.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the UN Office for Project Services, stated that the site was well-known as a UN facility, asserting that the attack was not an accident.

The Israeli military refuted claims that it targeted the UN compound, insisting the strike was aimed at a Hamas site in northern Gaza, where it had allegedly detected preparations for launching attacks into Israeli territory.

Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas conducted a major assault on southern Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken, Israel has launched a military campaign against Gaza that has reportedly caused over 49,000 fatalities.

This conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, water, and fuel affecting the remaining population of 2.3 million residents.

The escalation of hostilities ended a period of relative calm following a ceasefire reached in January that had temporarily halted fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas.

Since the resumption of airstrikes, Israeli officials have characterized their military operations as just the beginning, citing Hamas's rejection of a proposal to extend the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to resume military actions has sparked protests within Israel, particularly as 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with an estimated 24 believed to be alive.

Meanwhile, accusations have arisen against the Prime Minister from a coalition of hostage families and protestors who claim he is leveraging the situation for political gain amid ongoing judicial reforms.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army distributed leaflets across the Gaza Strip warning residents to evacuate, designated areas as dangerous combat zones, and emphasized the immediate need for relocation to avoid peril.

Netanyahu also stated he had ordered strikes after Hamas did not agree to extend the ceasefire.

Hamas, in turn, has accused Israel of undermining ongoing mediation efforts by various parties seeking to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities.

International responses have included criticisms from European leaders, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressing that the situation is unacceptable.

Jordan's King Abdullah urged for restoration of the ceasefire and aid flows, labeling Israel's renewed military actions as dangerous to an already critical humanitarian crisis during discussions in Paris.

Concerns regarding the potential destabilization of peace efforts in the region have been echoed by Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who cautioned that resuming fighting jeopardizes positive diplomatic engagements among Arab states that aim for a peaceful resolution for Gaza.

Recent reports from Gaza health officials indicated that airstrikes led to fatalities in multiple locations, including three people in an airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City and additional casualties in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya.

Israeli tank shelling has also resulted in deaths and injuries along major thoroughfares, further compounding the dire consequences of the conflict.