Witnesses say a powerful explosion has struck near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City as Israeli forces intensified their attacks across the enclave.

One missile reportedly landed behind the hospital, close to a recently renovated building that had been restored to service. The blast caused chaos and panic among patients and medical staff inside, according to eyewitnesses.

Those nearby described the explosion as “massive”, with the sound heard more than 20 minutes away. Drones and aircraft have been active over Gaza’s skies throughout the past half-hour.

The strike came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to resume attacks on the Gaza Strip.