An Israeli air strike early on Sunday destroyed part of the last fully functioning hospital in Gaza City as the military expands and intensifies its campaign across the territory. No casualties were reported from the strike but the Anglican church in Jerusalem – which runs the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital – said a boy with a head injury died in the rushed evacuation of patients.

The new route may have another purpose, say some Israeli officers. A month ago Israel cut off aid to Gaza. It claims there is plenty of food in the strip and that Hamas controls it. Once Gaza’s civilians are concentrated on the coast, the Israelis intend to use the Morag route for supply convoys “bypassing Hamas”.