Early in the war against Hamas, as Israeli forces made their way from the north of the Gaza Strip toward the south, a neighborhood in Gaza City called Shajaiye loomed large in the battle. In December, nine soldiers were killed there on what Israel’s military said was one of the deadliest days of the war for its forces.

Later, with Shajaiye ravaged and the Gaza City appearing pacified, the soldiers moved on, eventually taking the fight to Gaza’s southernmost city, Rafah, described as Hamas’s last major stronghold. In turn, Palestinian civilians who had fled the fighting in Gaza City began making their way back.

On Thursday, they were fleeing again.

Israel ordered people in part of eastern Gaza City to evacuate as Palestinian officials and residents reported heavy strikes and multiple casualties. People in the area described a frantic effort to get out as explosions sounded around them. Palestinian officials said the strikes had hit Shajaiye.

On Friday, the Israeli military said it had begun an operation in Shajaiye targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure. The U.N. office of humanitarian affairs said that 60,000 to 80,000 people had been displaced from areas east and northeast of Gaza City overnight.

Mohammad al-Bahrawi, 65, who had returned with his family to their home in Shajaiye months ago, said on Thursday, “We were hearing explosions from every direction.” He said “a torrent” of people were sent running.