Israel says it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

Gaza residents will be provided with tents and other shelter equipment starting Sunday ahead of relocating them from combat zones to the south "to ensure their safety," the Israeli military said on Saturday.

The Israeli military will provide Gaza residents with tents and other equipment starting from Sunday ahead of relocating them from combat zones to "safe" ones in the south of the enclave, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Saturday.