DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israel’s army detained the director of one of northern Gaza ‘s last functioning hospitals as overnight strikes in the territory killed nine people, including children, Palestinian medical officials said Saturday.

With the Israeli military maintaining its lethal siege on northern Gaza, concerns are increasing that Israel is systematically implementing a strategy to displace Palestinians by declaring the region a combat zone.

The attack on the Kamal Adwan Hospital came as Israel stepped up an offensive in northern Gaza that began in October and has killed hundreds of people and forced tens of thousands to flee. The Israeli military said it is fighting to prevent Hamas regrouping in Gaza’s north,