Israel's military says it has warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza City's one million residents ahead of an offensive to occupy it.
The officials were told that "adjustments" were being made to hospitals in southern Gaza to receive patients, a statement said.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry rejected "any step that would undermine what remains of the health system". The UN and aid groups have also vowed to stay to help those who cannot or choose not to move.
Meanwhile, Palestinians said there had been heavy bombardment in eastern areas of the city, a day after the military said it had taken the first steps in the offensive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting security officials on Thursday to approve the military's takeover plans despite widespread international and domestic opposition.
