DEVELOPING: Israel Launches Surprise Ground Assault on Gaza City, Thousands Flee in Panic

BREAKING NEWS Israel Launches Surprise Ground Assault on Gaza City, Thousands Flee in Panic At approximately 2am local time, Israel launched a major ground offensive on Gaza City, with troops pushing into the edges of the city. The assault follows days of intensified air strikes on Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee down a single coastal road to the center of the Strip, joining hundreds of thousands who have already fled. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimates 350,000 people have left Gaza City so far. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the operation as "powerful" and aimed at Hamas's "last major stronghold." However, UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the assault as "totally and utterly unacceptable." A UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The situation on the ground remains chaotic, with Palestinians streaming towards the south in donkey carts, rickshaws, vehicles strapped high with belongings or on foot. The exact number of people remaining in Gaza City is unknown, but it's estimated to be over 350,000. Many Palestinians say they cannot afford to go south, while others claim southern and central Gaza are not safe. This is a developing story, with more information emerging by the minute. We will provide updates as soon as possible. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*