The planned offensive has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, which warned it would lead to the forced displacement of about a million Palestinians.

Thousands of Palestinians were on the move from parts of Gaza's largest city as an Israeli offensive ground into action after a night of airstrikes and shelling

Widespread opposition from within Israel and international condemnation have not deterred Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his plan to expand the Israeli military’s operation in Gaza City. The Israeli military began calling medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday to encourage them to evacuate the area ahead of the expanded operation.