Thousands of Palestinians fled large areas of southwest Gaza City when Israeli forces early Monday morning unexpectedly intruded for the first time in over three months and opened heavy fire targeting roads, homes, and residential buildings, resulting in dozens of casualties.

The Israeli forces' incursion prompted a mass exodus of thousands of Palestinians to the city's northwestern neighborhoods, Anadolu reported. 

Reports say Israeli military vehicles entered the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, the industrial area, the university zones, and the southern outskirts of the Rimal under heavy fire from fighter jets and artillery.

Massive explosions and continuous air and heavy artillery bombardment targeted eastern, central, and western Gaza City overnight and into Monday morning. 

This was the first large-scale military offensive since the Israeli army's attack near Al-Shifa Hospital and its surroundings at the end of March.

Palestinian medical sources reported that the Israeli airstrikes targeted residential buildings, roads, and apartments, resulting in dozens of casualties in various parts of Gaza City.

Due to the intensified bombardment, rescue and medical teams have been unable to move to help the injured or retrieve the dead.

Witnesses also reported that Israeli forces heavily used smoke and gas bombs in different areas of Gaza City, particularly in the new incursion areas.