At least 38 Palestinians were killed in a series of intense Israeli airstrikes across Gaza overnight, targeting locations including a school in Gaza City and a fuel station sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat.

Rescue efforts were hampered by equipment shortages and heavy bombardment.

The strikes followed Israel’s mass evacuation order ahead of what it called an “unprecedented attack,” the BBC has reported.

The assault coincided with growing international pressure, as the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada warned Israel against further escalation and attempts to take full control of Gaza.

Written by B.C. Begley