The UN’s rights chief, Volker Turk, has denounced Israel’s escalation of attacks in Gaza – and its apparent push to permanently displace the population – as amounting to “ethnic cleansing”.

In a statement, Mr Turk warned that this was in defiance of international law.

Reports say Israeli air strikes have killed at least 115 Palestinians across Gaza since dawn on Friday.

According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli army has stated that its “extensive attacks” on Palestinians over the past 24 hours are part of the “expansion” of the country’s assault on Gaza.

In a statement shared on Telegram, it said the attacks are “part of the opening moves” of what Israel has dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots.