The plight of Palestinian families in war-torn Gaza Strip is worsening with the influx of large numbers of displaced people from the north.

Around 400,000 Palestinians have fled famine-stricken Gaza City since Israel launched a major offensive last month aimed at occupying it.

Hospitals in southern Gaza are gearing up for a flood of displaced wounded and sick Palestinians fleeing Gaza City in the face of Israel’s stepped-up offensive there.

The southern region of the enclave, however, lacks the capacity to receive a massive influx of displaced people from the north.

"There is no clean water, no proper life, nothing. Everything is expensive," said Nidaa Khabboush, a displaced mother.

Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, saying it was their "last opportunity" and that anyone who stayed would be considered a militant supporter and face the "full force" of Israel’s latest offensive.

Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced in the war, often multiple times, and finding food is a daily struggle for many.

The new wave of displacement threatens to worsen conditions for Palestinians in Gaza.

"We're exhausted and spent. Look at our children, how they are all thrown out in the streets. There is no food, no water, nothing. There is no shelter either," said Nabila Maliha, another displaced woman.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its toll, but has said women and children make up around half of the dead.

The war was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others.

Most of the hostages have been freed under previous ceasefire deals, but 48 are estimated to be still held in Gaza — 20 believed by Israel to be still alive.