Thousands of families are attempting to flee Gaza City as the Israeli military begins ground operations that are part of its large-scale assault aimed at occupying the city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a “powerful operation” had been launched in Gaza City, which he described as Hamas’s last major stronghold.
The operation has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Israel’s military announced on Wednesday a new route for residents to flee Gaza City via the Salah al-Din road, saying the corridor would be open for only 48 hours.
Previously, Palestinians had been forced to flee down a single coastal road toward what Israel calls a humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip, AFP said.
