JERUSALEM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced a new humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip ahead of its planned operation to capture Gaza City in the north.

The designated humanitarian zone was set in Khan Younis, "in light of the expansion of the ground operation in Gaza City and the takeover of Hamas strongholds as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots II," an IDF statement read.

The IDF said that the newly designated area contains key humanitarian infrastructure, including field hospitals, water pipelines and desalination facilities, while also ensuring the continued delivery of food, tents, medicines and medical equipment.

IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee called on Gaza City residents in a social media post to seize the opportunity and move to the humanitarian zone early.

The Israeli army emphasized that humanitarian aid to the area and adjustments to its infrastructure will continue on an ongoing basis in coordination with the United Nations and international organizations, alongside the expansion of the ground operation.

Since the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led to about 250 hostages being taken, Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians and wounded 161,000, according to Gaza health authorities. ■