Chances shrinking of new ceasefire, Qatar says, as Israel steps up assault

BBC update:

KEY mediator Qatar says the chances of a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are "narrowing", but has vowed to keep up the pressure on both sides.

Israel has ordered civilians to flee the centre of Khan Younis - with an official saying he doesn't want civilians caught up in the "difficult fighting" there.

A witness has spoken of “terror and fear” in the heart of Gaza's southern city - amid constant shelling and fierce battles.

The Israeli military chief earlier told his soldiers to "press harder", saying there were signs Israel's enemy Hamas was disintegrating.

The World Health Organization has described a "catastrophic" situation for healthcare in Gaza - with "ideal" conditions for diseases to spread.

Hamas attacked Israel nine weeks ago - killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, some of whom were released during a short-lived truce.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has been quoted as saying Israel has killed about 18,000 people in its retaliatory campaign.