GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, including a significant number of children, according to reports on Saturday. The deadly airstrikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the military to prepare for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people ahead of a potential ground invasion in the city. The announcement invoked widespread panic among the residents.

Rafah, which border Egypt, is considered the last stronghold for the Hamas militant group in Gaza. The announcement for potential evacuation raised concerns as more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are currently residing in Rafah, many of whom have been displaced by previous Israeli evacuation orders.

The escalating tensions have also strained relations between Israel and Egypt. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned that any Israeli ground offensive on Rafah could have “disastrous consequences” and accused Israel of attempting to force the Palestinians out of their land.

International concerns have also been raised with growing friction between the Biden administration and Netanyahu. U.S. officials have cautioned against an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population, warning of potential disaster. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with shortages of food and medical services.